The Strange Brew - artist stories behind the greatest music ever recorded

Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the worlds of music and film.

Known as the original drummer of the Bee Gees, Petersen played an integral role during the group, contributing to their global rise. His time with the group included performances on hits such as ‘Massachusetts’, ‘To Love Somebody’, and ‘Words’ and their early groundbreaking albums including Bee Gees’ 1st. Beyond this, he first captured the public’s imagination as a young actor, starring in the Australian film Smiley, which gave him his nickname.

In recent years, Petersen had found a new audience through his work with The Best of the Bee Gees tribute show, for which he did a career spanning interview with Jason Barnard of The Strange Brew Podcast in July 2022:

As time went on we would arrive in the studio with no song and I would have that opportunity of just sitting with them suggesting different tempos and stuff like that. I think the fact that a lot of those tracks came from nothing gave the tracks a real spontaneity… We would work the songs up, the five of us as a team, and again I think that that’s why the songs sound so coordinated. We never recorded separately. The only separate thing was the orchestra coming in after we got all our overdubs done.

Oh my god, we spent some time in the studio I can’t tell you. Sometimes we would go in there for four hours, the Gibbs would come up with nothing and we’d just pack it in and go home. Then we’d try again another day and maybe the the creative juices were really running that night we might get down three backing tracks.

I was really quite imaginative with my playing, but there were a lot of lot of drummers at the time that were technically much more advanced than I was. Look, Chuck Berry only probably knew four chords, right? So sometimes when you’re limited you’ve got to be creative.. I think you can overdo the technique and you get to a stage where you can’t see the wood for the trees. I’ve always been a song guy with drumming.

He is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their sons Jaime and Ben. He will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and unwavering passion for the arts.

The post Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen: Bee Gees Drummer Dies at 78 appeared first on The Strange Brew .

Tony Banks reveals the creative exploration that defined Genesis’ sound and his personal foray into orchestral music. From early influences that shaped the band’s evolving approach to reflections on composing landmark tracks like ‘Firth of Fifth,’ Tony shares stories that go deep into his and Genesis’ legacy.

Tony Banks – 18 Pieces For Orchestra 7-6-5

Tony Banks podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Tony Banks (2019), Steve Hackett (2022), Steve Hackett (2020), Anthony Phillips, Bill Bruford, Chester Thompson

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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Arthur Brown shares captivating stories from his extraordinary life and the history behind his classic album, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. The event included a thrilling moment when one of Arthur’s legendary flaming helmets was ignited on the CAT Club stage during the screening of his unforgettable 1968 Top of the Pops performance of ‘Fire.’ The evening climaxed with a spellbinding live performance, as Arthur sang ‘I Put a Spell on You’ over the original backing track, leaving the audience in awe.

thegodofhellfire.com

This episode is also part of The CAT Club (Classic Album Thursdays) podcast.

Arthur Brown podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Arthur Brown (2018), Carl Palmer, Hawkwind – Days of the Underground, The Thunderclap Newman Story

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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Peter Perrett opens up about his life and the creative process leading to The Cleansing, his most ambitious album yet. Collaborating with peers and friends, Bobby Gillespie, Johnny Marr, and Carlos O’Connell, Perrett crafts an honest, self-reflective exploration of life’s complexities, balancing raw emotional depth with moments of dark humour. He also reflects on his time with The Only Ones, including ‘Another Girl, Another Planet,’ which continues to influence new waves of musicians.

Peter Perrett website

Peter Perrett podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Johnny Thunders by Nina Antonia, Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, Clem Burke, Rat Scabies

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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Rosalie Cunningham chooses eight key tracks from across her career, highlighting both personal and musical turning points. From her early days with Purson to her evolving solo work, she reveals into the inspirations behind songs that mix 1960s and 1970s rock influences with her own distinctive voice. As she talks about songs like Dethroning of the Party Queen to the title track of her latest album, To Shoot Another Day, she gives us a candid glimpse into her writing process, approach to recording, as well as performing live.

rosaliecunningham.com

Rosalie Cunningham podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Bev Bevan, Kimono My House at 50, Phil Manzanera, Bruce Soord – The Pineapple Thief

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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Jeff Wayne shares the influences that shaped his acclaimed musical adaptation of The War of the Worlds. From the dramatic opening of The Eve of the War to unforgettable collaborations with artists like Richard Burton and David Essex, Wayne reflects on the creativity and perseverance that shaped this remarkable project. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories of overcoming production challenges, the lasting impact of live performances, and memories of working with musicians including Herbie Flowers. Alongside this we get a glimpse into Wayne’s diverse body of work, spanning advertising, film scores, and much more.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds: The Spirit of Man Tour 2025

thewaroftheworlds.com

Jeff Wayne podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Chris Amoo, Chris Thompson, Billy Nicholls, John Lodge

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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Mark Wilkerson uncovers the fascinating story of Thunderclap Newman, the group known for their 1969 hit ‘Something in the Air’ and guided by Pete Townshend. Highlighting the unique collaboration of outsider musicians Speedy Keen, Andy ‘Thunderclap’ Newman, and young guitar prodigy Jimmy McCulloch, Wilkerson reveals that they were far more than just a one-hit wonder.

Hardcover, limited edition of Hollywood Dream: The Thunderclap Newman Story, signed by Mark Wilkerson and Pete Townshend, includes a fold-out poster by Josh Townshend

US Hollywood Dream standard (paperback) edition

Third Man Records – Official UK/EU Store

The Thunderclap Newman Story podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Arthur Brown, The July Connection, Nirvana, Howie Casey – Wings, Mike McCartney, Maggie Bell, Steve Ellis – Love Affair

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

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John Paul White discusses his recent album ‘The Hurting Kind’, which was inspired by classic country, rock, and torch singers from his childhood. White talks about the creative process behind the album, aiming to create a modern record with a nostalgic, dramatic sound. White also reflects on his musical upbringing in the American South, the influence of the Muscle Shoals sound, and success in The Civil Wars. As he prepares for his imminent solo tour across the UK and Europe, White is excited to present a diverse setlist spanning his entire career.

John Paul White’s UK/European tour starts on 20 October

John Paul White podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Steve Cropper, Albert Hammond, Gerry Beckley – America, Dion

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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David Wells breaks down the irresistible world of late 60s American bubblegum pop, exploring its catchy hit singles, cult collectables, and forgotten album tracks. From The Archies to The Monkees, Ohio Express to the 1910 Fruitgum Co., and The Lemon Pipers, Wells examines the rise of this manufactured pop sound that dominated the charts. With a spotlight on industry figures like Don Kirshner and the Kasenetz-Katz partnership, this episode offers a deep dive into the sugary, radio-friendly tunes that made the late 60s so sweet.

Pour A Little Sugar On It – The Chewy Chewy Sounds of American Bubblegum 1966-1971 Box Set

American Bubblegum Pop 1966-1971 podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: The American Sounds of 1968,  The American Sounds of 1967, The Sound of Los Angeles 1965-68, British Bubblegum

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

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Few collaborations feel as natural as Those Pretty Wrongs, where Big Star drummer Jody Stephens teams up with multi-instrumentalist Luther Russell. Their podcast offers a deep dive into the art of songwriting, where personal stories and shared experiences shape their music. Reflecting on his time with Big Star, Jody recalls the chemistry that transformed the group, a bond he finds again with Luther. Their partnership, rooted in mutual respect and creative trust, builds on the sounds that first put Big Star on the map.

thoseprettywrongs.com

50th Anniversary of Radio City Big Star Tour

Those Pretty Wrongs podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Joey Molland – Badfinger, American Power Pop In The Seventies, Richard Orange, Michael Fennelly

Written articles: Big Star: Winter 1970-1971 by Rich Tupica, Bill Donati interview

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

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