Colin Pietersen, the first drummer of the British music band Bee Gees, has died

The first drummer of the British musical group Bee Gees Colin Petersen died at the age of 79 years. The music group announced this on November 18.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin "Smiley" Pietersen. He enriched our lives and bound our band together with love, care and respect. We don't know how we can go on without his radiant smile and deep friendship. We love you, Colonel. Rest in peace," reads the Bee Gees' statement on their Facebook page (banned in Russia, owned by Meta Corporation, which is recognized as extremist in Russia).

Pietersen was born in 1946 in Queensland, Australia. Already at the age of seven, he began his career in the movie, playing the lead role in the Australian movie "Smiley". That's how he got his nickname. After graduating from high school, Pietersen met one of the band members, Morris Gibb, becoming the first drummer of the Bee Gees. He left the band in 1969. Pietersen later performed in the band Humpy Bong and as a solo artist. In 1974, he returned to Australia where he became an artist.

The Bee Gees were founded in 1958 by the three Gibb brothers, Barry, Robin and Maurice. The group is considered one of the most successful in the history of the music industry. Their most famous hit is the song Stayin' Alive from 1977.