Original Bee Gees star Colin Petersen dies at 78

Colin Petersen, the archetypal drummer successful the Bee Gees, has died aged 78, his representatives person confirmed.

The euphony star, who joined brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb successful the 1960s and played connected deed tracks including I Started A Joke, To Love Somebody and I Just Gotta Get A Message To You, died connected Monday.

He contributed to 4 Bee Gees albums, including respective songs connected 1970’s Cucumber Castle album, earlier leaving the group.

It was an honour to person called him my friend.

Manager, Greg Shaw

Before his euphony career, Petersen was a kid actor, starring successful the rubric relation of 1956 Australian movie Smiley – a quality which earned him his nickname.

Over the past 5 years, Petersen has played with the Best Of The Bee Gees tribute show, his publicist Sue Camilleri confirmed.

“I’ve known Colin for 34 years and was thrilled erstwhile helium agreed to bring his vocation afloat ellipse by joining the Best Of The Bee Gees,” his manager Greg Shaw said successful a connection fixed to the PA quality agency.

“His endearing quality and unabashed storytelling added unsocial perspectives to the shows and helium was loved connected and disconnected stage.

“It was an honour to person called him my friend.”

Friend and workfellow Evan Webster said successful a connection fixed to PA: “Our lives were enriched the infinitesimal Colin joined our troupe.

“We shared years of laughs and euphony travelling astir the country.

“He was specified a good man and lived among america with grace and honour. He volition beryllium remembered forever.”

Bee Gees prima Maurice died unexpectedly successful 2003 astatine the property of 53 owed to complications from a twisted intestine portion his duplicate Robin died successful 2012, aged 62, from liver and kidney nonaccomplishment aft battling colorectal cancer.

Petersen is survived by his 2 sons Jaime and Ben.