Original Bee Gees drummer, Colin Petersen, has died aged 78, it has been confirmed.
Petersen served as drummer for the band, contributing to four Bee Gees albums, including several songs from their 1970 album Cucumber Castle. Joining the Bee Gees in 1960s, Petersen featured on tracks including, I Started A Joke, To Love Somebody and I Just Gotta Get A Message To You.
He also played with the Best Of The Bee Gees tribute show, his publicist Sue Camilleri confirmed.
Prior to his music career, Colin Petersen was a child actor, starring as the main character in the 1956 Australian movie, Smiley, a character where he earned his nickname from.
Colin Petersen's death was confirmed by Best of The Bee Gees production, Gary Walker, who said that the drummer died in his sleep on Monday, calling his death "very sudden". He also added that Petersen had played a show on Saturday, and was "happy and his usual cheeky self".
In a statement, manager Greg Shaw paid tribute to Petersen.
"I’ve known Colin for 34 years and was thrilled when he agreed to bring his career full circle by joining the Best Of The Bee Gees", he said. "His endearing nature and unabashed storytelling added unique perspectives to the shows and he was loved on and off stage".
"It was an honour to have called him my friend".
His friend and colleague Evan Webster also released this statement.
"Our lives were enriched the moment Colin joined our troupe", he said. "We shared years of laughs and music travelling around the country".
"He was such a fine gentleman and lived among us with grace and honour. He will be remembered forever".
Colin Petersen is survived by his two sons, Jaime and Ben.
