Former Bee Gees drummer dies days after another had passed
Original Bee Gees drummer Frederick Colin Petersen, who played on hits including Massachusetts, To Love Somebody and Words, has died.
The musician and former child actor from Kingaroy was 78.
Along with performances on several of the group’s early albums and tours around the world, Petersen and his bandmates, brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, played on the legendary Ed Sullivan Show in 1968 to an enormous American television audience.
Frederick Colin Petersen, the Bee Gees’ original drummer, has died. Credit: Best of the Bee Gees
As a child he starred in 1956 Australian comedy film Smiley.
He was a member of the Bee Gees from 1967 to 1969, until he became disillusioned with their manager and left the group, and was later involved in lawsuits with the band’s management.
His death was confirmed to Brisbane Times by his band The Best of the Bee Gees, with which he continued to perform his former group’s hits.
The Bee Gees in 1967, featuring brothers (back from left) Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb, and (front from left) Vince Melouney and Colin Petersen.Credit: Best of the Bee Gees
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the group said in a statement.
“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.”
He was married to Joanne Petersen, the personal assistant of Beatles manager Brian Epstein. In 1967 she was the first to find the legendary music figure dead of a drug overdose in his London flat.
Petersen’s death came just four days after the death of a later Bee Gees drummer, Dennis Bryon, at 75.
Blue Weaver, a Welsh musician who played in the Bee Gees’ backing band with Bryon, wrote on social media that he was lost for words.
“Dennis has been my friend, since we were in our first band together age 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.”
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