Vale Colin 'Smiley' Petersen - the fourth Bee Gee

Colin “Smiley” Petersen, the Bee Gees’ first drummer who grew up in Redcliffe, has died at the age of 78.

The former Humpybong State School pupil, who passed away yesterday, is credited with helping the Gibb brothers’ become world superstars.

Three years ago he returned to Redcliffe Entertainment Centre with a Bee Gees tribute show telling tales of his time with the band.

Tributes poured in to a Best of the Bee Gees Facebook post announcing Petersen’s passing.

“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin 'Smiley' Petersen,” the tribute band said.

“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.”

Suzanne Gordon added: “So sorry to read this news and share your grief. Draw comfort from the wonderful life Colin had and enjoyed sharing with us all.”

Heather Estrada wrote: “He drummed with the original Bee Gees, actually met him in Shepp, truly a remarkable, humble man, condolences to all.

Patricia Doncaster said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen. “So many wonderful memories of Colin from our childhood in Redcliffe and his movie ‘Smiley’.

“So wonderful to see him performing again with The Best of the Bee Gees. RIP Colin, you will be sadly missed.”

Born in Kingaroy, Petersen shot to fame in the 1956 film Smiley but his musical career began at Humpybong State School as a drummer in the marching band.

Years later he discovered that film had influenced the Gibb family’s move to Australia as ten-pound Poms from Manchester.

With records being expensive in the 1950s, Petersen’s collection only contained about 20, each with just one song to practice his drumming.

A chance meeting with Maurice Gibb in Sydney eventually led to Petersen becoming the fourth Bee Gee – and first non-family member – in the 1960s.

He played on many of their early albums and biggest hits. It is reported they included Words, Massachusetts and To Love Somebody.

Petersen left the group after disagreements with the group’s management just before the Bee Gees became a dominant force in the 1970s disco era.

In later years he moved back to Queensland and the area where he grew up, before joining the Best of the Bee Gees in 2019.