In a strange twist of fate, Bryon is also reported to have died within four days of Petersen. Despite not being listed as an official member of the band, he contributed percussion to their recordings including the smash hit Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and hits such as How Deep Is Your Love and More Than a Woman.
Both Bryon and Petersen would play with Bee Gees tribute bands in later life. The former with the Italian Bee Gees, formed by three Italian brothers, and the latter with the Best of the Bee Gees tribute show. Petersen was reportedly playing live as recently as last week.
Peterson played on some of the Bee Gees’ earliest recordings, after joining brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in the band in 1966, following their move from Australia to London.
He first contributed to the band’s 1966 album ‘Spicks and Specks’, before playing on all four of their LPs released under Polydor/Atco. His drumming can be heard on hits like ‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘Holiday’.
Peterson’s final album with the Bee Gees was ‘Cucumber Castle’ in 1970, after which he eventually left the group following disagreements with manager Robert Stigwood. He subsequently formed the band Humpy Bong with singer-songwriter Jonathan Kelly and Tim Staffell, which broke up shortly after.
He then went on to start a management company in 1969 with his wife Joanne Newfield. The couple have two sons, Jaime and Ben.
Prior to joining the Bee Gees, Peterson’s first experiences in the spotlight came as a child actor, for his role in the 1956 Australian film Smiley.
