Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen passed away at the age of 78. As the original drummer for the Bee Gees, Petersen was instrumental in the group’s early success. He died on November 18.
He helped create classic singles including Words, To Love Somebody, and Massachusetts. His drumming was a key component of several of their albums,
Notably the pioneering Bee Gees’ first, which contributed to the group’s rise to fame around the world. His sons Jaime and Ben, as well as his ex-wife Joanne, survive him.
Petersen made waves as a child actor before pursuing a career in music. He starred in the iconic Australian movie Smiley, which gave him his enduring nickname.
His reputation as a versatile artist in two challenging sectors was solidified by his move from movie to stage.
