In a tragic development, the music world mourns the loss of two esteemed drummers associated with The Bee Gees. Dennis Bryon, a significant contributor to the group’s iconic hits, passed away at 76 on November 14th. Shortly after, Colin “Smiley” Petersen, the band’s original drummer, also breathed his last at the age of 78 on November 18th.
The news of Bryon’s demise was first shared by former Bee Gees member Blue Weaver on Facebook. Bryon, born in Cardiff, Wales, had a successful music career with UK bands like Amen Corner before joining The Bee Gees in 1973 during the band’s transition to disco music.
Bryon’s drumming skills were prominently featured in hits such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “More Than a Woman,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing.” His musical legacy lives on, survived by his wife, Kayte Strong.
On the other hand, Petersen’s passing was attributed to a fall, as reported by fellow musicians Evan Webster and Sue Camilleri from The Best of the Bee Gees Show. Petersen, originally from Queensland, Australia, was a child actor before becoming The Bee Gees’ first professional drummer.
During Petersen’s stint with the band from 1967 to 1969, he contributed to ballads like “To Love Somebody,” “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” and “I Started a Joke.” After parting ways with The Bee Gees, he formed the group Humpy Bong with Irish singer Jonathan Kelly. Petersen is survived by his ex-wife, Joanne, and their sons, Jaime and Ben.
The Bee Gees, formed in Australia in the late 1950s by Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, have faced multiple losses over the years. Barry Gibb remains the sole surviving member of the original trio, following Maurice’s death in 2003 and Robin’s in 2012.
The contributions of Bryon and Petersen to The Bee Gees’ music have left an indelible mark on the industry, with their drumming skills shaping some of the band’s most enduring hits. Their passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the lasting impact of music on fans worldwide.
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