Bee Gees star dies at 78 – FBC News

(Source: Dailymail)

Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen has passed away at the age of 78.

Petersen, who played a key role in the Bee Gees’ early success as the band’s original drummer, passed away on November 18.

He contributed immortal hits such as Massachusetts, To Love Somebody and Words.

His drumming was a vital element on the Bee Gees’ groundbreaking albums, including 1st, and helped catapult the band to international fame.

He is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and sons Jaime and Ben.

Before his music career, Petersen made a splash as a child actor starring in the classic Australian film Smiley, a role that earned him his enduring nickname.

His transition from screen to stage has cemented his reputation as a versatile talent in two demanding industries.

Petersen recently reconnected with fans by attending The Best of the Bee Gees tribute show.

In an interview with Jason Barnard on The Strange Brew Podcast in 2022, he reflected on his time with the band, sharing rare insights into their creative process and unique drumming style.

In the interview, Petersen described the collaborative energy that defined the Bee Gees’ recording sessions: ‘We would often go into the studio without songs, which gave me a chance to experiment with tempos and rhythms.

‘These pieces had a real spontaneity to them because we worked on them as a group. We never recorded our tracks separately; Everything was done together, with the orchestra coming in later.’

But the registration process wasn’t always smooth.

‘Sometimes we’d spend hours in the studio and nothing would come together, so we’d pack up and try again another day. But when inspiration struck, we could knock out three support pieces in one night,’ he recalled.

Petersen also talked about his approach to drumming; he saw it as an extension of the music itself rather than an indication of technical skill.

‘I wasn’t the most technically gifted drummer but sometimes I think less is more. When you are limited you have to be creative; just like Chuck Berry who creates magic with a few chords. ‘For me it was always about serving the song.’