The world of music is grieving the loss of Dennis Bryon and Colin “Smiley” Petersen, two ex-drummers of the Bee Gees, who died within four days of each other in November 2024.
Born Dennis Ronald Bryon on April 14, 1949 in Cardiff, Wales, Bryon died on November 14 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 75. He started playing drums at the age of 14 and rose to fame with the band Amen Corner before becoming a member of the Bee Gees in 1973. His drumming was a crucial element of the Bee Gees’ disco hits of the 70s like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “You Should Be Dancing.”
Bryon continued to be a part of the band until 1980 and later co-produced Robin Gibb’s 1983 album, “How Old Are You?” In his later years, Bryon lived in Nashville and is survived by his wife, Kayte.
Frederick Colin Petersen, born on March 24, 1946 in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia, passed away in his sleep on November 18, 2024 at the age of 78. Prior to his musical career, Petersen was a child actor. He played a prominent role in the 1956 film “Smiley,” which led to his nickname.
Petersen became a part of the Bee Gees in 1966 as their first drummer, and he was the first non-Gibb brother to join the band officially. Some of the Bee Gees’ early hits featured Petersen’s drumming, such as “Massachusetts,” “To Love Somebody,” and “Words.”
Due to managerial disagreements, Petersen left the Bee Gees in 1969 and later formed the band Humpy Bong. In recent years, he played in the Best of the Bee Gees tribute show. Petersen leaves behind his two sons, Jaime and Ben.
The Bee Gees, established in 1958 by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, sold over 200 million records globally, making them one of the highest-selling music artists of all time. They made numerous contributions to the music industry over multiple decades.
The band achieved nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including iconic tracks like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
Their contributions to the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack were notable. The album sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful soundtracks ever.
In the UK, the Bee Gees reached number one with five singles and had 19 top-ten hits. Their influence in the music industry isn’t limited to their own performances; they also wrote and produced hits for other artists, further solidifying their legacy.
The Bee Gees’ ability to adapt to changing music styles, particularly their crucial role in the disco era, demonstrates their versatility and enduring popularity. Their unique vocals and innovative songwriting have had a profound impact on popular music, inspiring numerous artists and continuing to resonate with fans globally.
The deaths of Petersen and Bryon represent a significant point in the history of the Bee Gees, as both drummers were key players in the group’s formative years.