Colin Petersen, the original drummer for The Bee Gees, has died at the age of 78. His passing was announced on November 18 by his band, Best of The Bee Gees, in a heartfelt Facebook post. “He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care, and respect,” the tribute read, alongside a photo of Petersen at his drum kit. No cause of death was disclosed.
Petersen joined The Bee Gees in 1966, becoming a vital part of their early success. His drumming featured prominently on iconic tracks such as “New York Mining Disaster 1941” and “To Love Somebody.” He contributed to key albums, including Spicks and Specks (1966), Horizontal (1968), and Odessa (1969). Despite leaving the group in 1970 due to managerial disputes, his influence on the band’s formative years remains significant.
Following his departure, Petersen co-founded the short-lived band Humpy Bong before forming Best of The Bee Gees with his wife, Joanne Newfield. Reflecting on his career, he once said, “I wasn’t the most technically skilled drummer, but sometimes less is more. For me, it was always about serving the song.”
Petersen leaves behind his wife and two sons. His legacy endures through the timeless music he helped create, and he will be remembered for his unique contribution to the legendary Bee Gees sound.
