A gentle giant of music has tapped his last beat, leaving the world a little quieter but significantly richer for his contributions. That’s right, folks; original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen has left the stage at 78, his sense of rhythm echoing through time.
In an artfully understated announcement—because that’s how true icons roll—the Best of the Bee Gees Facebook page shared the sad news with fans far and wide. Often, it’s the quiet ones who make the most noise, and Petersen was no exception. His drumming was the heartbeat of the Bee Gees, and now, sadly, the band must keep time a little differently.
Petersen, affectionately known as ‘Smiley’—a nickname derived from his role in the 1956 film “Smiley”—was more than just a musician. He was the kind of guy you wanted on your team; full of love, care, and respect, his legacy transcends music.
Born on March 24, 1946 in Queensland, Australia, Petersen was destined for greatness from the start. But don’t just take my word for it; let’s dance through the drumming details of his extraordinary journey.
From Aussie Shores to London Beats
At 20 years old, most of us are still figuring out a plethora of existential issues like laundry schedules or binge-watching habits, but not Petersen. He up and moved to London, joining forces with the legendary Gibb brothers—Barry, Robin, and Maurice—and fellow musician Vince Melouney. It was a decision that led to the creation of the iconic Bee Gees sound, a decision that perhaps was written in the stars.
The Bee Gees wouldn’t just steal the show—they’d own it, with Petersen at the pulse from 1967 to 1969. He lent his skill to the band’s first seven albums, drumming out the beginnings of classics on records like “Bee Gees’ 1st,” “Horizontal,” and “Odessa,” to name a few. Not bad for a lad from Queensland who snagged both time and attention.
The Metronome of an Era
And what did Petersen have to say about all that magic-making? He remembered fondly on The Strange Brew Podcast how sometimes the muse missed their bus, leaving the band dumbstruck in the studio. But when the music gods smiled down, the rhythm flowed like water, fast and abundant.
“I wasn’t the most technically skilled drummer,” Petersen confessed as humbly as you’d expect from a musical kingpin. “But sometimes less is more.” That right there is wisdom—take notes!
In a classic rock ‘n’ roll twist, Petersen parted ways with the Bee Gees after 1970 due to creative differences with manager Robert Stigwood. Despite the split, Stigwood adorned Petersen with praise, calling him “very level-headed” with exquisite taste—a backhanded compliment if ever there was one!
Beyond the Drums
Life after the Bee Gees had its own rhythm, and Petersen kept the beat going with the band Humpy Bong. It didn’t last long, but neither do most golden sunsets. The real encore came when he and his wife Joanne Newfield moved back to Australia, cementing a family life as tranquil as a ballad. Adding entrepreneur to his list of careers, he started a management company and, after all was said and done, picked up a paintbrush, swapping canvas for the drum kit.
The Final Beat
The original lineup of the Bee Gees now rests mostly in history, with Barry the last standing Gibb. The others—Robin, Maurice, and now Petersen—conduct elbow room for Barry to carry the torch forward. It’s a somber yet beautiful reminder that although rhythms may grow softer, they are never truly lost.
Remembering Colin “Smiley” Petersen means holding onto the spark of creativity and spontaneity, a lesson in living life beating at your own tempo. Though he may have stopped playing in the physical sense, his drumming reverberates through the hits that continue to delight generations. Here’s to the silence between the beats that speak the loudest.
Mary’s Note: Remembering legends like Petersen makes us realize that sometimes, the most unforgettable rhythms are the ones that play inside our hearts. Here’s hoping we can all dance along to our own life’s symphonies, smiling as brightly as Colin did.
