Colin Petersen, the former drummer of the legendary Bee Gees, has passed away at the age of 78. His death was confirmed on November 18 through an announcement shared on Facebook, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and musicians alike.
Petersen was more than a drummer — he was an essential creative force who helped shape the Bee Gees’ early sound in the 1960s. His steady rhythm, musical intuition, and artistic input played a key role in defining the group’s style during their rise to international fame.
Born in Australia, he joined the Gibb brothers in 1967 and performed on many of their classic hits before parting ways with the band in the early 1970s. Though he later pursued other artistic endeavors, his influence within the Bee Gees’ golden era remained deeply respected by fans and peers across generations.
As tributes continue to pour in, many remember Petersen for his quiet brilliance and warmth — a musician whose work helped build one of the most iconic sounds in pop history. His passing closes another chapter in the Bee Gees’ remarkable story, but his rhythm will continue to echo through their timeless music.