Colin Petersen, original drummer of the Bee Gees, has died aged 78

Colin Petersen, the lead drummer for the Bee Gees who played on some of the band's early hits, has died. He was 78 years old.

The news of his death was announced in a Post on Facebook on Monday (Nov. 18) from his current band, Best of The Bee Gees, although no cause of death was given. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin 'Smiley' Petersen,” the statement read, along with a photo of Petersen smiling behind his drum kit. “He enriched our lives and bonded our team with love, care and respect. I'm not sure how we can go on without his bright smile and deep friendship. We love you Colonel, rest in peace.”

Petersen joined brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb as part of the Bee Gees in 1966 when all members moved from Australia to London. After contributing drums to the 1966 album, Spicks and SpecksPetersen played on all four of the group's albums under Polydor/Atco, including 1967's Bee Gees' 1stwhich included such hits as “New York Mining Disaster 1941”, “To Love Somebody” and “Holiday”. He continued to play drums in 1968 Horizontal1968 Idea — which included “I've Gotta Get a Message to You” and “I Started a Joke” — and 1969's Odessa. His last album with the Bee Gees was 1970's Cucumber castle.

After leaving the group amid disagreements with manager Robert Stigwood, Petersen went on to form the band Humpy Bong with singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffell. After a short-lived stint as a group, Happy Bong broke up and Petersen started a management company in 1969 with his wife, Joan Newfield. The couple have two sons, Jaime and Ben.