The music world faces a double loss as two influential drummers who shaped the distinctive sound of the Bee Gees left behind a remarkable legacy.
According to The Standard, Dennis Bryon, who played drums during the band's iconic disco era, died at age 76 in Nashville on November 14, followed by the passing of Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, the group's original drummer, who died at age 78 on Monday.
The timing of these losses has deeply affected the music community, particularly those connected to the Bee Gees' rich history. Both drummers played crucial roles during different periods of the band's evolution, contributing to their journey from a pop group to disco legends.
Bryon's contribution to the Bee Gees spanned from 1973 to 1981, coinciding with the band's transformation into disco giants. His drumming helped create the signature sound behind chart-topping hits, including "Night Fever," "How Deep Is Your Love," and "Stayin' Alive."
Former bandmate Blue Weaver, who performed with Bryon in the Bee Gees and other UK groups, shared the news of his passing. Their musical connection began in their teenage years and continued throughout their careers.
Weaver expressed his shock at Bryon's death through a heartfelt Facebook post. Here's what he wrote:
I am lost for words at the moment... Dennis has passed away. Kayte, Dennis's wife has just called me and asked if I would let all friends and fans know. This was such a shock. Dennis has been my friend, since we were in our first band together age 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive...
Petersen's journey with the Bee Gees began in the 1960s when he joined brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. His drumming featured on memorable tracks such as "I Started A Joke" and "To Love Somebody," spanning four albums before his departure.
In recent years, Petersen remained active in the music scene, performing with the Best Of The Bee Gees tribute show. Production manager Gary Walker noted that Petersen had performed just days before his death, appearing "happy and his usual cheeky self" on Sunday.
Manager Greg Shaw paid tribute to Petersen's endearing nature and storytelling abilities, stating:
His endearing nature and unabashed storytelling added unique perspectives to the shows and he was loved on and off stage. It was an honour to have called him my friend.
The deaths of Bryon and Petersen add to the losses experienced by the Bee Gees family over the years. Maurice Gibb passed away in 2003 at age 53, while his twin Robin died in 2012 at age 62, both after facing serious health challenges.
Petersen's journey in entertainment began early as a child actor, starring in the 1956 Australian film "Smiley," which gave him his enduring nickname. He leaves behind two sons, Jaime and Ben.
The band's influence on popular music remains undeniable, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Both drummers played significant roles in this success story, each contributing to different chapters of the Bee Gees' evolution.
Dennis Bryon and Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, two pivotal drummers who helped shape the Bee Gees' sound across different eras, passed away within days of each other in November 2024. Bryon died at age 76 in Nashville, having played during the band's disco heyday, while Petersen died at 78, having served as the group's original drummer during their early pop years. Their deaths mark the end of two significant chapters in the Bee Gees' history, with both musicians leaving behind lasting contributions to the band's evolution from pop groups to disco legends.
