Music world mourns loss of influential musician (58) and legendary drummer (76)
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A sad note has struck the music world as we bid farewell to two members of the iconic Bee Gees rhythm section within a week of each other.
The band's drummer, who was at their peak fame, passed away in Nashville on Thursday, 14 November, at 76.
The music community is also mourning the sudden death of a well-loved figure in the Melbourne music scene, who passed away at the age of 58.
He was known for his work with bands such as The Underground Lovers, Black Cab, Crow, and his band, Registered Nurse.
Just four days later, Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, the group's original drummer, passed away at 78.
Dennis Bryon's tenure with the Bee Gees lasted from 1973 to 1981 when the band transformed from a pop-rock group to a disco legend.
He provided the beats for studio albums such as Mr. Natural, Main Course, Children of the World, and Spirits Having Flown.
He also played on the soundtrack of the era-defining movie Saturday Night Fever, which included hits like Stayin' Alive and Night Fever.
The news of Dennis' passing was shared by his friend and fellow musician Blue Weaver, who played with him in the Welsh rock group Amen Corner.
On social media, Weaver expressed his grief, stating, 'I am lost for words at the moment… Dennis has passed away. Kayte, Dennis’s wife, has just called me and asked if I should let all my friends and fans know. This was such a shock.'
Dennis Bryon's journey with the Bee Gees began thanks to an invitation from the band's lead guitarist, Alan Kendall, who lived in the same apartment building in London.
After an audition at Barry Gibb's house, Dennis was welcomed into the fold, marking the start of a collaboration that would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
In addition to his musical achievements, Dennis Bryon toured with a Bee Gees tribute band named The Italian Bee Gees in 2016, sharing the legacy of the music he helped create.
He leaves behind his second wife and musical partner, Kayte Strong, and the memory of his first wife, Jenny, who passed away from breast cancer in 2010.
Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, whose nickname stemmed from his childhood acting role in the Australian film 'Smiley,' was the original drummer for the Bee Gees.
His drumming was instrumental in the band's early success, contributing to timeless classics such as Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, and Words.
Colin's unique style and collaborative spirit were pivotal in establishing the Bee Gees' international stardom.
In a 2022 interview with Jason Barnard on The Strange Brew Podcast, Colin shared insights into the Bee Gees' creative process, emphasising the group's spontaneity and collective energy during recording sessions.
He believed in serving the song with his drumming rather than showcasing technical skill, a philosophy that resonated with the band's approach to music-making.
Colin Petersen is survived by his ex-wife, Joanne, and their sons, Jaime and Ben.
His legacy extends beyond his musical contributions.
He also made a mark as a versatile talent in the film industry before fully embracing his role as a musician.
The sudden deaths of Dennis Bryon and Colin Petersen poignantly remind us of life's fleeting nature and music's enduring impact.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, Richard Andrew's passing was confirmed through a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe page to support his wife, Nicolette Powell.
Powell is now facing the dual heartbreak of losing her husband while also caring for her mother, who is battling a terminal brain tumour.
The GoFundMe page honours Andrew's memory, stating, 'Richard was a talented musician who left his mark in bands like Underground Lovers, Crow and Black Cab as well as his band Registered Nurse and more recently his solo project RJ Andrew.’
‘He was also the founder of Pharmacy Records. He poured his heart and soul into his music, and his legacy will be felt across Melbourne's music community for years to come.'
On 23 October, just a week before his untimely death, Andrew took to social media to share his diagnosis with his fans.
Alongside a photo from his wedding, he wrote a poignant message tinged with his characteristic humour.
He joked about an 'unsuccessful attempt to jump 17 double-decker buses' before revealing the true and sad reason behind his wheelchair use—a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic lung cancer. He described his recent experiences as a 'billy cart ride down s--t street.'
In his message, Andrew also issued a public farewell, expressing his acceptance of his fate and his gratitude for the life he had lived.
'I am completely reconciled to whatever the future is. However, that future is probably quite limited, and I'm in the process of preparing to pop this mortal coil and return to the trees, as it were,' he wrote.
'I cannot overstate enough what an honour and a privilege it has been to know you all over the last 58 years and to have lived the most incredible, incredible life.'
Credit: YouTube
Rest in peace, Dennis Bryon and Richard Andrew.
Your legacy in music and the world will never be forgotten.
Your rhythms will continue to inspire for generations to come.
The band's drummer, who was at their peak fame, passed away in Nashville on Thursday, 14 November, at 76.
The music community is also mourning the sudden death of a well-loved figure in the Melbourne music scene, who passed away at the age of 58.
He was known for his work with bands such as The Underground Lovers, Black Cab, Crow, and his band, Registered Nurse.
Just four days later, Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, the group's original drummer, passed away at 78.
Dennis Bryon's tenure with the Bee Gees lasted from 1973 to 1981 when the band transformed from a pop-rock group to a disco legend.
He provided the beats for studio albums such as Mr. Natural, Main Course, Children of the World, and Spirits Having Flown.
Former Bee Gees drummer Dennis Bryon passed away at 76 in Nashville. Credit: Facebook
He also played on the soundtrack of the era-defining movie Saturday Night Fever, which included hits like Stayin' Alive and Night Fever.
The news of Dennis' passing was shared by his friend and fellow musician Blue Weaver, who played with him in the Welsh rock group Amen Corner.
On social media, Weaver expressed his grief, stating, 'I am lost for words at the moment… Dennis has passed away. Kayte, Dennis’s wife, has just called me and asked if I should let all my friends and fans know. This was such a shock.'
Dennis Bryon's journey with the Bee Gees began thanks to an invitation from the band's lead guitarist, Alan Kendall, who lived in the same apartment building in London.
After an audition at Barry Gibb's house, Dennis was welcomed into the fold, marking the start of a collaboration that would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
In addition to his musical achievements, Dennis Bryon toured with a Bee Gees tribute band named The Italian Bee Gees in 2016, sharing the legacy of the music he helped create.
He leaves behind his second wife and musical partner, Kayte Strong, and the memory of his first wife, Jenny, who passed away from breast cancer in 2010.
Colin 'Smiley' Petersen, whose nickname stemmed from his childhood acting role in the Australian film 'Smiley,' was the original drummer for the Bee Gees.
His drumming was instrumental in the band's early success, contributing to timeless classics such as Massachusetts, To Love Somebody, and Words.
Colin's unique style and collaborative spirit were pivotal in establishing the Bee Gees' international stardom.
In a 2022 interview with Jason Barnard on The Strange Brew Podcast, Colin shared insights into the Bee Gees' creative process, emphasising the group's spontaneity and collective energy during recording sessions.
He believed in serving the song with his drumming rather than showcasing technical skill, a philosophy that resonated with the band's approach to music-making.
Colin Petersen is survived by his ex-wife, Joanne, and their sons, Jaime and Ben.
His legacy extends beyond his musical contributions.
He also made a mark as a versatile talent in the film industry before fully embracing his role as a musician.
The sudden deaths of Dennis Bryon and Colin Petersen poignantly remind us of life's fleeting nature and music's enduring impact.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, Richard Andrew's passing was confirmed through a heartfelt tribute on a GoFundMe page to support his wife, Nicolette Powell.
Powell is now facing the dual heartbreak of losing her husband while also caring for her mother, who is battling a terminal brain tumour.
The GoFundMe page honours Andrew's memory, stating, 'Richard was a talented musician who left his mark in bands like Underground Lovers, Crow and Black Cab as well as his band Registered Nurse and more recently his solo project RJ Andrew.’
Richard Andrew, an iconic figure in Melbourne's music scene, was lost at the age of 58, shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Credit: Facebook
‘He was also the founder of Pharmacy Records. He poured his heart and soul into his music, and his legacy will be felt across Melbourne's music community for years to come.'
On 23 October, just a week before his untimely death, Andrew took to social media to share his diagnosis with his fans.
Alongside a photo from his wedding, he wrote a poignant message tinged with his characteristic humour.
He joked about an 'unsuccessful attempt to jump 17 double-decker buses' before revealing the true and sad reason behind his wheelchair use—a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic lung cancer. He described his recent experiences as a 'billy cart ride down s--t street.'
In his message, Andrew also issued a public farewell, expressing his acceptance of his fate and his gratitude for the life he had lived.
'I am completely reconciled to whatever the future is. However, that future is probably quite limited, and I'm in the process of preparing to pop this mortal coil and return to the trees, as it were,' he wrote.
'I cannot overstate enough what an honour and a privilege it has been to know you all over the last 58 years and to have lived the most incredible, incredible life.'
Credit: YouTube
Your legacy in music and the world will never be forgotten.
Your rhythms will continue to inspire for generations to come.
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