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Music

The Passing of Two Bee Gees Drummers: Colin “Smiley” Petersen and Dennis Bryon

2024-11-19

Two former members of the legendary Bee Gees, including the original drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen, have tragically passed away within a mere four days. This news has sent shockwaves through the music world. Colin Petersen, who joined the Gibb brothers in 1966 after their shared school days in Queensland, Australia, played drums on the band's first four albums and contributed to numerous hits. His nickname, inspired by his role in the 1956 Australian film "Smiley," became a part of Bee Gees history. Before his music career, he was a child actor. After moving to England for a movie career, he was invited by the Gibb brothers to join the Bee Gees and became the fourth member. He left the group in 1970 but continued to make an impact in the music industry.

Colin “Smiley” Petersen: A Life in Music

Colin Petersen's contribution to the Bee Gees cannot be overstated. His drumming on albums like "To Love Somebody," "Massachusetts," "I Started a Joke," and "I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You" added a unique rhythm and energy. His presence bound the group with love, care, and respect. As stated in a Monday statement, "It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen. He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect. Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace." His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.After leaving the Bee Gees, he worked with another former member, Jonathan Kelly, in the Humpy Bong band and managed Kelly's solo career. In 2022, he initially hesitated to join a tribute group but was impressed by their performance. He said, "I went to see the show. It would have been about the third song in, and I thought to myself, bloody hell, this band is really great, and the voices were so close, and it was well presented and they all seem really comfortable on stage and enjoying it, which is really important."

The Bee Gees' Musical Legacy

The Bee Gees are an iconic group with an extensive musical legacy. They are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Dance Music Hall of Fame. Their Grammy-winning hits such as "Stayin’ Alive," "Night Fever," "More Than a Woman," "You Should Be Dancing," "I Started a Joke," "How Deep is Your Love," "To Love Somebody," "My World," and "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" have stood the test of time and continue to be loved by fans around the world. Barry Gibb, the only original member still alive at 78, has carried on the Bee Gees' legacy. Robin Gibb passed away in 2012 at age 62, and Maurice Gibb died in 2003 at 53.

Dennis Bryon: The Bee Gees' Disco Drummer

Dennis Bryon joined the Bee Gees in 1973 and was a part of their iconic "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. His drumming on hits like "Stayin’ Alive," "You Should Be Dancing," and "How Deep is Your Love" gave the music a distinct disco feel. He stayed with the group until 1981 and most recently performed in the Italian Bee Gees tribute band. His death, just a few days after Colin Petersen, has further emphasized the significance of these two drummers in Bee Gees history.The Bee Gees' music has had a profound impact on generations of music lovers. Their unique sound and timeless songs have made them one of the most influential groups in music history. The loss of these two drummers is a great loss to the music world, but their legacy will live on through their music.