Colin Petersen, the Bee Gees' first drummer, has died

Musician Colin Petersen, the Bee Gees' first drummer, who worked on the group's first four albums, died Monday, November 18 at the age of 78.

Colin Petersen, the first drummer of the Bee Gees who participated in the creation of cult songs I Started a Joke, To Love Somebody or I Just Gotta Get a Message to Youdied this Monday, November 18 at the age of 78.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin 'Smiley' Petersen,” the members of his current band Best of The Bee Gees announced in a statement posted on Facebook.

“He enriched our lives and bonded our group with love, care and respect. We don't know how we can continue to live without his radiant smile and deep friendship. We love you, Colonel, rest in peace,” they said. -they added.

Present on the group's first four albums

Nicknamed “Smiley”, Colin Petersen joined the Bee Gees in the 1960s during the early days of the group created by brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, whom he had known at school.

He played on the Bee Gees' first four albums in 1967 and 1969 and on a few tracks from the album. Cucumber Castle (1970). Colin Petersen then left the Bee Gees in the early 1970s following a conflict with manager Robert Stigwood, then joined the group Humpy Bong before ending his musical career.