Colin Petersen, the original drummer for the Bee Gees, died Monday, Fox News Digital confirmed. He was 78.
The news of his death was “sadly” confirmed by Evan Webster of Best of the Bee Gees, a tribute band that Petersen played with.
“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” Webster wrote on the band’s Facebook page. “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.”
Petersen played on the albums “Bee Gees’ 1st,” “Horizontal,” “Idea,” “Odessa” and, although uncredited, “Cucumber Castle.”
He performed hits including “To Love Somebody,” “Massachusetts” and “Words.”
While Petersen was an acclaimed musician, he initially found fame at a young age as a child actor, starring in the 1955 film “Smiley” with Sir Ralph Richardson.