RIP Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen! Original Bees Gees drummer dies aged 78
- Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen died on Monday morning of November 18, aged 78.
- He was the drummer for the Bee Gees from 1967 to 1969.
- He significantly contributed to their early success with four albums and hits like “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Words.”
Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen has sadly passed away
Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen is no longer alive among us. The Original Bees Gees drummer took his last breath on Monday morning of November 18, aged 78.
His death was confirmed by his tribute band, The Best of the Bee Gees, through a heartfelt message on Facebook. The statement expressed deep sorrow, saying,
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Best of the Bee Gees Show announces the passing of our legend, Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen this morning, Monday 18 November 2024, He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect. Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”
The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed. Petersen joined the Bee Gees in 1966 when the Gibb brothers relocated to London.
He played a significant role in their early success, contributing to four albums and several hit songs such as “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Words.”
His sudden death shocked many, especially since he had performed just days earlier in Bundaberg, Queensland.
His death has come as a shock, especially since he had performed with the band just days earlier in Bundaberg, Queensland.
Similarly, his publicist, Sue Camilleri, described him as “very special and loved.” She said,
“His insights and professionalism were appreciated on and off stage … he was unique and loved sharing the road and the spotlight with us,”
Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their two sons, Jaime and Ben.
A short bio on Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen
Frederick Colin Petersen, known as “Smiley,” was born in March 1946. He spent his early childhood in Kingaroy, Queensland.
He later attended school in Redcliffe, the same area where the Gibb brothers also went to the same school.
In a 2021 interview, he shared that he auditioned for this role because his mother encouraged him, saying he could perform on stage. He recalled,
“She said, ‘You could do this Colin. You get up onstage at the city hall with thousands of people there and communicate with your drums. All you have to do here is communicate with words,'”
Following his acting career, he transitioned to music, eventually becoming the drummer for the Bee Gees from 1967 to 1969 after meeting Maurice Gibb.
During his time with the band, he contributed to several albums, including Bee Gees 1st and Odessa, and played on hit songs like “To Love Somebody” and “Words.”
However, he left the group due to a disagreement with their manager, Robert Stigwood.
After departing from the Bee Gees, Smiley formed a folk-rock band called Humpy Bong with Irish singer Jonathan Kelly.
In 1969, he and his ex-wife Joanne Newfield started a management company. They have two sons named Ben and Jaime.
Throughout his life, Petersen remained active in music and performed with tribute bands, sharing stories from his past as both an actor and musician.
Also read, One Direction Breaks Silence after Liam Payne’s Death!
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