Colin “Smiley” Petersen, the first official drummer for the legendary 1960s band, Bee Gees, died at the age of 78 on November 18, 2024. A fall is reportedly the cause of his death.
The musician born in Australia played a crucial role in defining the sound of the band’s first seven albums from 1967 to 1969, leaving a significant mark on their musical path.
Petersen was born on March 24, 1946 in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. He was given the nickname “Smiley” following his performance in the 1956 film of the same name. His early career also featured roles in films such as “A Cry from the Streets” (1958) and “Strange Affection” (1957).
When he was 20, Petersen moved to London and joined the Bee Gees, playing with the Gibb brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice – and guitarist Vince Melouney. His contributions can be heard on several of the band’s successful albums including “Spicks and Specks” (1966), “Bee Gees’ 1st” (1967), “Horizontal” (1968), “Idea” (1968), “Odessa” (1969), and “Cucumber Castle” (1970).
During his tenure with the band, Petersen performed on many popular songs, such as “New York Mining Disaster 1941,” “To Love Somebody,” “Holiday,” “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” and “I Started a Joke.”
In 1970, Petersen left the Bee Gees due to disputes with the band’s manager, Robert Stigwood. Despite their disagreements, Stigwood recognized Petersen as “very level-headed” and “a very sophisticated person” with “a good appreciation of good food and wines.”
After leaving the Bee Gees, Petersen started a new band, Humpy Bong, and later established a management company with his wife, Joanne Newfield. They had two sons, Jaime and Ben. In 1974, the family returned to Australia, where Petersen embarked on a painting career.
In his later years, Petersen maintained his connection to music by playing with the Best of the Bee Gees tribute band. His death came just four days after the drummer of the Bee Gees during their 1970s disco era, Dennis Bryon, 76, passed away.
Dennis Bryon, the Welsh drummer who provided the driving rhythms behind the Bee Gees’ most iconic hits, passed away on November 14, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 75. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the soundtracks of the 1970s disco era.
Born on April 14, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales, Bryon began playing drums at the age of 14. He first gained prominence with the band Amen Corner in the late 1960s, achieving hits like “Bend Me, Shape Me” and “(If Paradise Is) Half as Nice.” After the group disbanded in 1969, Bryon continued his musical journey, eventually joining the Bee Gees in 1973.
During his tenure with the Bee Gees from 1974 to 1980, Bryon’s drumming was pivotal in defining the group’s transition to the disco sound. He played on chart-topping tracks such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “More Than a Woman,” all featured on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Reflecting on the album’s success, Bryon noted, “That’s when I knew this record was big. Very, very big.”
Bryon’s unique achievement of having five songs simultaneously in the top ten of the Billboard chart is a distinction he shares only with Ringo Starr. This feat underscores his significant impact on popular music during that era.
After departing from the Bee Gees in 1980, Bryon relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. There, he continued his musical pursuits, collaborating with artists such as Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and Andy Gibb. In 2015, he published his autobiography, “You Should Be Dancing: My Life with the Bee Gees,” offering an insider’s perspective on his experiences during the height of the disco movement.
Bryon’s death was announced by his former bandmate, Blue Weaver, who shared, “Dennis has been my friend since we were in our first band together age 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.”
Among the original Bee Gees members, only Barry Gibb remains, with Maurice and Robin Gibb having died in 2003 and 2012 respectively. Their younger brother, Andy, passed away in 1988 at the age of 30.
The deaths of Petersen and Bryon symbolize a significant chapter in the band’s history, as both drummers played key roles during different phases of the group’s evolution.
The Bee Gees’ classic disco hit “More Than A Woman” has seen a resurgence on TikTok, with hundreds of thousands of new videos featuring the track. This trend showcases the band’s enduring appeal to younger audiences in the digital era. The band’s official website states, “The enduring appeal of this timeless track demonstrates the lasting impact and influence of the Bee Gees’ musical legacy.”
Alongside a release of a new remix of “Stayin’ Alive” by eight-time Grammy winner Serban Ghenea, a new greatest hits collection titled “Timeless: All Time Greatest Hits.” has been launched. This compilation features the band’s most popular songs throughout their long career. Also, the group’s classic albums are now accessible on streaming platforms, catering their music to modern audiences.
The band’s rhythm-packed song “You Should Be Dancing” has sparked a worldwide dance trend through a partnership with DanceOn.
Production of the Bee Gees biopic “You Should Be Dancing” has been delayed by Ridley Scott due to disputes with Paramount Pictures over production conditions. The project, penned by John Logan, has seen several director changes, including Kenneth Branagh, John Carney, and Lorene Scafaria before Scott’s involvement.
Scott is currently prioritizing “The Dog Stars,” set to start filming with 20th Century Studios in April 2025. While he suggested potential work on the Bee Gees project could resume in September, this timeline remains uncertain.
Initial casting discussions included considering Rami Malek (Oscar winner for “Bohemian Rhapsody”) for the role of Robin Gibb, with Bradley Cooper approached to play Barry Gibb. The biopic would be the first major film to focus on the band’s story.
Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the original Bee Gees, received recognition in the New Year Honours list alongside Ringo Starr and Darcey Bussell. Gibb continues to uphold the band’s legacy through his solo work and performances.
