The legendary Colin Petersen, who made his mark as the first drummer for the iconic band Bee Gees, has passed away at the age of 78. His contributions to the band during their formative years were pivotal in shaping their early sound and success.

The announcement of his death came through a heartfelt Facebook post from his current band, Best of The Bee Gees, on Monday, November 18. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the band expressed their profound sorrow. “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the statement reflected, accompanied by a cherished photo of Petersen joyfully positioned behind his drum set. “His presence enriched our lives and his love, care, and respect unified our group. We are unsure how to move forward without his radiant smile and unwavering friendship. We love you, Col. Rest in Peace.”

Colin Petersen joined the Bee Gees in 1966, marking a significant chapter in the band’s evolution.

His journey with brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb began when the group relocated from Australia to London. Petersen’s drumming laid the foundation for many of their early hits, starting with the album Spicks and Specks in 1966. He played a crucial role on all four of the group’s albums released under Polydor/Atco, including the groundbreaking Bee Gees’ 1st in 1967, which brought forth classics like “New York Mining Disaster 1941,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Holiday.” His rhythmic contributions extended to 1968’s Horizontal, 1968’s Idea — featuring memorable tracks like “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You” and “I Started a Joke” — and culminated in 1969’s Odessa. His last collaborative effort with the Bee Gees was the 1970 album, Cucumber Castle.

Following his departure from the Bee Gees due to conflicts with manager Robert Stigwood, Petersen ventured into new musical horizons by forming the band Humpy Bong alongside singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffell. Although this collaboration was brief, it showcased his versatility and passion for music. After Humpy Bong disbanded, Petersen shifted gears and established a management company in 1969 with his wife, Joanne Newfield. The couple raised two sons, Jaime and Ben, demonstrating that family remained a central part of his life even amidst his musical endeavors.