Former Bee Gees drummers die within days

The Bee Gees Family Faces Two Tragic Losses

The Bee Gees family has recently experienced the loss of two drummers, Dennis Bryon and Colin Petersen, within a few days of each other.

Remembering Dennis Bryon

Dennis Bryon, the drummer for the iconic pop-rock group The Bee Gees from 1973, passed away on November 14 at the age of 76. He was known for his contributions to hits such as “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep is Your Love.” Just four days later, the band faced another loss with the passing of Colin “Smiley” Petersen, the group’s first professional drummer, at the age of 78.

Colin Petersen and Dennis Bryon.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty; Jeff Hochberg/Getty

The news of Bryon’s passing was shared by musician Blue Weaver, who had played alongside him in the band Amen Corner. 

“I am lost for words at the moment,” expressed Weaver. “Dennis has passed away. Kayte, Dennis’s wife, has just called me to inform all friends and fans. This comes as a shock to us all.”

Weaver fondly remembered his long friendship with Bryon, dating back to their first band at the age of 15. He acknowledged Bryon’s exceptional drumming skills that will continue to resonate through time.

The passing of Colin “Smiley” Petersen was confirmed through a heartfelt post on the official Facebook page of the tribute band he performed with, The Best of The Bee Gees Show. 

The post began, “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen. He brought joy and unity to our group with his love, care, and respect. His absence leaves a void that we cannot fill.”

GAB Archive/Redferns

Evan Webster, a fellow performer, shared his last memories of Petersen after wrapping up the tribute band’s 2024 tour on a poignant note. “He was truly in his element, looking forward to future performances with unwavering enthusiasm,” Webster reminisced. 

Webster described Petersen as sharp-witted and humorous, with a remarkable memory that captured the essence of their shared experiences. Petersen’s legacy as a Bee Gee continued to inspire and guide those around him.

Legacy of the Bee Gees Drummers

The Bee Gees, formed by the Gibb brothers in the late 1950s, saw the talented Colin Petersen join their ranks in 1966. His drumming skills were showcased on early hits like “To Love Somebody,” “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” and “I Started a Joke.”

Petersen, reflecting on his time with the band, emphasized the importance of creativity and simplicity in his drumming style. Serving the song was always his primary focus, much like musical legends before him.

Before his Bee Gees tenure, Petersen had a successful career as a child star, earning his nickname from a prominent role in the Australian film “Smiley.” 

Despite leaving the band in 1969 due to managerial conflicts, Petersen’s influence on the Bee Gees’ sound was profound. His departure paved the way for Dennis Bryon to take over as the band’s drummer from 1973 to 1980.

Dennis Bryon and Fair Weather.

TPLP/Getty

Dennis Bryon, born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1949, made his mark as the Bee Gees’ drummer during their disco era in the ’70s. Hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing” solidified his place in music history.

Reflecting on the band’s success, Bryon recounted the moment he realized the impact of their music when multiple radio stations played their songs simultaneously in 1978.

“That’s when I knew this record was big,” Bryon recalled. “Very, very big.”

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The Bee Gees’ enduring legacy includes five Grammy Awards and their induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. With Barry Gibb as the sole surviving member of the original trio, the band’s impact on music history remains unmatched.

FAQs

Q: What were the notable hits of The Bee Gees?

A: The Bee Gees produced hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing,” among many others.

Q: How did Dennis Bryon and Colin Petersen contribute to The Bee Gees’ sound?

A: Dennis Bryon and Colin Petersen played crucial roles as drummers in shaping The Bee Gees’ iconic sound, adding depth and rhythm to their music.

Q: What is the significance of The Bee Gees in music history?

A: The Bee Gees are regarded as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with numerous awards and a lasting impact on the music industry.

Credit: ew.com