Two drummers with the disco music group the Bee Gees have died four days apart, it has been reported.
Dennis Byron, the band's drummer in the 1970s, died on Thursday, 14 November, according to Blue Weaver who played alongside Bryon in the band Amen Corner.
Welsh musician Weaver announced Byron's death on Facebook, writing: "Dennis has passed away. 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."
Colin Petersen, the original drummer in the Bee Gees, died on Monday, 18 November, aged 78, his representatives confirmed.
Petersen 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.
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 given to PA: "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."
Friend and colleague Evan Webster said in a statement given to PA: "Our lives were enriched the moment Colin joined our troupe.
"We shared years of laughs and music travelling around the country.
"He was such a fine gentleman and lived among us with grace and honour. He will be remembered forever."
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.
Source: Press Association
