Dennis Bryon, the drummer for the Bee Gees, has died at the age of 76, becoming the second member of the group to die this week.
Just four days after Bryon’s death, Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen, the band's first drummer, also passed away, aged 78.
Petersen joined the Bee Gees in the 1960s, shortly after the group was formed by brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, while Bryon played with the band from 1973 to 1981.
Cardiff born Bryon died in Nashville on November 14, with his former bandmate Blue Weaver, who also played with him in UK groups Amen Corner and Fair Weather, confirming the news.
He wrote on Facebook: “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…”
Bryon became a key member of the Bee Gees during their shift to disco, contributing to iconic hits like Night Fever, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive, and You Should Be Dancing. The Bee Gees went on to sell over 200 million records worldwide.
News of his passing comes after Petersen, the band’s original drummer, died aged 78, his representatives confirmed.
The music star, who joined brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in the 1960s and played on hit tracks including I Started A Joke, To Love Somebody and I Just Gotta Get A Message To You, died on Monday.
He contributed to four Bee Gees albums, including several songs on 1970’s Cucumber Castle album, before leaving the group.
Over the last five years, Petersen has played with the Best Of The Bee Gees tribute show, his publicist Sue Camilleri confirmed.
Best of the Bee Gees production manager Gary Walker said Petersen had played a show on Saturday and he was “happy and his usual cheeky self” on Sunday.
“It was very sudden,” he told the PA news agency, confirming Petersen died in his sleep early Monday morning.
Meanwhile, manager Greg Shaw said in a statement: “I’ve known Colin for 34 years and was thrilled when he agreed to bring his career full circle by joining the Best Of The Bee Gees.
“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.”
Bee Gees star Maurice died unexpectedly in 2003 at the age of 53 due to complications from a twisted intestine while his twin Robin died in 2012, aged 62, from liver and kidney failure after battling colorectal cancer.
Before his music career, Petersen was a child actor, starring in the title role of the 1956 Australian film Smiley – a character which earned him his nickname.
Petersen is survived by his two sons Jaime and Ben.
