Bee Gees star Colin Petersen has died aged 78.
The musician, nicknamed Smiley, was the enduring group's unique drummer within the 1960s and the primary non-Gibb brother to change into an official member of the band, after brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb fashioned the creators of Evening Fever hits.
Bee Gees tribute act The Better of the Bee Gees, who Colin had beforehand carried out with on tour, stated in a press release: “It’s with the deepest remorse that The Better of the Bee Gees Present broadcasts the passing of our legend, Colin 'Smiley' Petersen on Monday (November 18).
“Colin was a much-loved member of the corporate's 'household', who stored our audiences spellbound along with his tales of taking part in the lead function within the iconic Australian movie Smiley, because the drummer of the unique Bee Gees, and performing with one of the best Bee Gees. repeatedly for the final 5 years.”
Colin's supervisor Greg Shaw admitted it was “an honour” to have the late star as a pal.
He stated: “I’ve recognized Colin for 34 years and was thrilled when he agreed to finish his profession circle by becoming a member of Better of the Bee Gees.
“His endearing nature and cheeky storytelling added distinctive views to the reveals and he was beloved on and off stage. It was an honor to have known as him my pal.”
Colin performed drums on a number of Bee Gees albums, together with 1st, Horizontal, Thought, Odessa and Cucumber Fort, earlier than leaving the group in 1969.
The stickman left through the recording of the 1970 Cucumber Fort album and was changed by Terry Cox, who carried out on the remaining tracks.
Talking concerning the Bee Gees' artistic course of on The Unusual Brew Podcast in 2022, he stated: “We frequently went into the studio with out a music, which gave me the chance to experiment with tempos and rhythms.
“These tracks had an actual spontaneity to them as a result of we labored on them as a bunch.
“We by no means recorded our components individually. We did every little thing along with the orchestra that got here in later.”
Colin earned the nickname Smiley after performing in an Australian movie of the identical title as a budding actor.
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