A poignant rhythm: The passing of two Bee Gees drummers within days

Colin Petersen : The First Beat Colin Petersen : The First Beat Born in Kingaroy, Queensland, in 1946, Colin Petersen’s early fame came as a child actor, starring in the titular role of the 1956 Australian film Smiley . But it was his drumming that would propel him into global recognition. Joining the Bee Gees in 1966, he became the fourth member alongside Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, contributing to their early hits like To Love Somebody , I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You , and I Started a Joke . Petersen’s rhythm was the backbone of the Bee Gees’ transition from their Australian roots to international stardom. His tenure ended in 1969 following disagreements with manager Robert Stigwood, after which he formed the short-lived band Humpy Bong. While his time with the Bee Gees was brief, his impact was indelible, shaping their foundational sound. In later years, Petersen played with tribute acts like the Best of the Bee Gees , and reports suggest he was performing live as recently as last week, a testament to his enduring passion for music. Dennis Bryon : The Fever’s Pulse Dennis Bryon : The Fever’s Pulse As Petersen departed, the Bee Gees began evolving into a cultural phenomenon. Enter Dennis Bryon, a Cardiff-born drummer whose talents crystallized during the band’s disco-era zenith. Though not an official member, Bryon’s work defined the Bee Gees’ imperial phase from 1973 to 1980, including the seminal Saturday Night Fever Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Bryon’s drumming underscored timeless hits like How Deep Is Your Love and More Than a Woman , earning him a front-row seat to the Bee Gees’ transformation into global superstars. His 2015 memoir, You Should Be Dancing: My Life With the Bee Gees , paints a vivid picture of that era. Bryon recounted flipping through Miami radio stations and hearing Bee Gees hits on five different channels—a testament to the band’s ubiquity. In his later years, Bryon continued to celebrate the Bee Gees’ legacy, performing with tribute bands such as the Italian Bee Gees. His drumming left an indelible mark on one of music’s most unforgettable eras. End of an Era The deaths of Petersen and Bryon are reminders of the fleeting nature of time, even for legends. They also highlight the profound impact of the unsung heroes behind the frontmen—the drummers who set the rhythm for some of the most iconic songs in music history. Today, Barry Gibb stands as the last surviving member of the Bee Gees, a band whose harmonies, heartbreak, and unrelenting energy captured the spirit of their times. Maurice passed away in 2003, Robin in 2012, and now, the rhythmic guardians of their sound—Petersen and Bryon—have joined them in musical eternity. As fans revisit the Bee Gees’ timeless catalog, the memories of Petersen and Bryon endure in every beat, every song, and every dance floor that still sways to the music they helped create.