The music community is mourning the loss of two former Bee Gees drummers, Colin “Smiley” Petersen and Dennis Bryon, who passed away within four days of each other in November 2024.
Dennis Bryon, born Dennis Ronald Bryon on April 14, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales, passed away on November 14 at 75 in Nashville, Tennessee. He began playing drums at 14 and gained prominence with the band Amen Corner before joining the Bee Gees in 1973. Bryon’s drumming was integral to the Bee Gees’ 1970s disco era, featuring on tracks like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “You Should Be Dancing.”
He remained with the band until 1980 and later co-produced Robin Gibb’s 1983 album, “How Old Are You?” Bryon resided in Nashville in his later years and is survived by his wife, Kayte.
Colin Petersen, born Frederick Colin Petersen on March 24, 1946, in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia, died in his sleep on November 18, 2024 at 78. Before his music career, Petersen was a child actor, notably starring in the 1956 film “Smiley,” which earned him his lifelong nickname.
He joined the Bee Gees in 1966 as their original drummer, becoming the first non-Gibb brother to be an official band member. Petersen played on several early Bee Gees hits, including “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Words.”
He left the group in 1969 due to managerial disputes and later formed the band Humpy Bong. In recent years, Petersen performed with the Best of the Bee Gees tribute show. He is survived by his two sons, Jaime and Ben.
The Bee Gees, formed in 1958 by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, are among the best-selling music artists in history, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Their career spanned multiple decades, during which they achieved numerous accolades and left a lasting influence on the music industry.
The group secured nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including classics like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
Their contributions to the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack were particularly significant. The album sold over 40 million copies worldwide and became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.
In the UK, the Bee Gees achieved five number-one singles and 19 top-ten hits. Their influence extended beyond their performances, as they wrote and produced hits for other artists, further cementing their legacy in the music industry.
The Bee Gees’ ability to adapt to changing musical trends, particularly their pivotal role in the disco era, showcases their versatility and enduring appeal. Their harmonious vocals and innovative songwriting have left an indelible mark on popular music, influencing countless artists and continuing to resonate with fans worldwide.
The passing of Petersen and Bryon marks a significant moment in the band’s history, as both drummers played pivotal roles during the group’s evolution eras.
