Two iconic drummers from the Bee Gees have recently passed away, as confirmed by social media posts from former bandmates and a tribute group.

Colin “Smiley” Petersen, aged 78, the band’s original drummer, and Dennis Bryon, 76, who performed with them during their peak years, both died within four days of each other.

Blue Weaver, who played with Bryon in the Welsh rock band Amen Corner, shared the news of Bryon’s death on Facebook, saying, “I am at a loss for words right now. Dennis has passed away. His wife Kayte called to let me know and asked me to inform all friends and fans.”

Petersen’s passing was announced on Monday by the tribute band Best of the Bee Gees, where he was a member. “With heavy hearts, we share the news of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen’s passing. He brought love, care, and respect to our group and enriched our lives,” they posted on Facebook.

Evan Webster, a member of Best of the Bee Gees, commented, “Unbelievably, he was still drumming at 78, showing all the style and talent from his youth. He remained sharp-witted and humorous, with a clear memory of what The Bee Gees wore at various events in the late ’60s.”

Webster did not disclose the cause of Petersen’s death. Petersen is survived by his former wife Joanne and his sons Jamie and Ben.

Petersen became part of the Bee Gees in 1966, before they became disco legends. He played drums for their first four albums, which featured popular tracks like “New York Mining Disaster 1941” and “To Love Somebody.” He left the band in 1969 due to disagreements with the management, as reported by Billboard. Additionally, he had a brief career as a child actor, starring in the 1956 film “Smiley,” from which he took his nickname.

Bryon joined the band later during their disco peak when the Bee Gees were rising in fame. He contributed to the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, which included hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “More Than a Woman.”

The Bee Gees were originally formed by the three Gibb brothers: Barry, Maurice, and Robin. Barry is the only surviving brother—Maurice and Robin passed away in 2003 and 2012, respectively.

The band initially had a sound reminiscent of The Beatles before evolving into the defining disco music of their career. With 15 Top 10 hits on the Billboard 100 and sales of 220 million records, the band, alongside their drummers, solidified their place in pop culture history.

Barry Gibb expressed in a 2020 interview, “I just want the music to live on. I hope people enjoy it for years to come. It’s not about whether people remember us or the Bee Gees; it’s the music that matters most.”