Australian musician and former Bee Gees member Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen has died aged 78. Petersen, who was born in Kingaroy, Queensland, was the legendary band’s first drummer, and is credited for contributing to their rise to global superstardom. The former child actor performed on some of the band’s most beloved songs, including Massachusetts, To Love Somebody and Words.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” tribute band Best of the Bee Gees posted on its official social media account. “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.” Peterson is survived by his ex-wife Joanne Newfield and their sons Jaime, born in 1971, and Ben, born in 1976.
He initially gained notoriety as a child actor, playing the titular character in the 1956 British-US film Smiley , where he earned his enduring nickname. Peterson attended the same school in Redcliffe, Queensland as brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, where he first developed an interest in music. Peterson moved to the UK after graduating school to break into the film business, before he joined the Bee Gees in the ‘60s, becoming the first non-Gibb brother to form part of the group.
“There was an understanding that when the Gibbs’ arrived in England, that if the film thing didn’t work out, I’d join their band,” Pete.
