(KTLA) — Colin “Smiley” Petersen, the original drummer of the Bee Gees, has died at the age of 78.
His passing was announced on the Facebook page, Best of the Bee Gees, on Monday.
“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,” the post read.
Evan Webster and Sue Camilleri, who run the tribute fan page, told The New York Times that Petersen died from a fall.
He was born Frederick Colin Petersen in Queensland, Australia. Petersen was a child actor who starred in the classic 1956 film “Smiley,” which ended up being his nickname.
During his adolescence, he attended the same school as Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.
In 1966, he moved to England shortly before the Gibb brothers did as well. The four reconnected and, along with Vince Melouney, formed the Bee Gees in 1967. He played on the band’s albums: “Bee Gees’ 1st,” “Horizontal, “Idea,” “Odessa” and Cucumber Castle.”
Petersen and the group parted ways in 1969, and he formed the Humpy Bong band with Jonathan Kelly. They disbanded after a year, but he continued to manage Kelly as a solo artist, according to PEOPLE.
Petersen’s death comes days after Bee Gees’ drummer Dennis Bryon, died Thursday at 76. He played with the band starting in 1973.
The only living Bee Gee member is Barry Gibb, who is 78. Robin died in 2012 at 62, and Maurice died in 2003 at 53.
Petersen is survived by his ex-wife, Joanne, and their sons, Jaime and Ben.
