An Afternoon with Colin Peterson | Colin Peterson & Ron Kelly

An Afternoon with Colin Peterson was a relaxed in-conversation with former child-actor and Bee Gees drummer, Colin Peterson, hosted by Ron Kelly. I’ll admit that I didn’t know of Peterson before this event, and the song Stayin’ Alive was the extent of my Bee Gees trivia knowledge. Despite my unfamiliarity, I found myself engrossed in what Peterson had to say. This was due in no small part to his storytelling ability, and compelling stories about showbiz of a by-gone era. 

The majority of the conversation centred on Peterson’s childhood. Growing up as part of a creative family, his mother was a self-taught musician, and sister and ballroom dancer. He regaled us with tidbits of his entry into fame in the starring role in the film Smiley at age 7, to meeting famous jazz drummer Gene Krupa, to joining the Gibbs brothers to form the Bee Gees. 

There was no doubt that most of the full COVID-Safe audience knew his references to music, movies and people made in conversation. I witnessed a trip down memory lane for many, with nostalgic ‘tuts’ and smiles of remembrance. 

Peterson’s passion for entertaining a crowd is palpable. He told the story of playing with musicians at the old Cloudland Dance Hall as a child, where he would be hiding in the bass drum only to emerge three hours later to a roaring crowd. ‘One spotlight, that’s all it took. And we had ‘em,’ he recounted with glee. 

As a young emerging artist I admired the wisdom Peterson had to share about working in the entertainment industry. He recalled that even as a child starring in movies, he had  a mantra of hard work: “It was work, and I took it very seriously”. He shared the creative process of the Gibbs brothers, who would write songs from beginning to end during a single marathon studio session. “There’s magic in it,” he said - a reminder of the value in spontaneity. 

Peterson didn’t say much about his departure from the Bee Gees, other than to say that it was messy and that egos are bound to get in the way when you’re working with entertainers. He has made much of his living after the break up as a house painter, and his attitude is heartening: “I took great pride in my work, and that’s how I managed to live with it”. There’s a lesson in that for everyone. 

You will likely be able to catch Colin Peterson in the “Best of the BEE GEES” tribute show gigging next year. I know I’d love to see this man in action!