Bee Gees' original band member Colin Petersen has sadly died at age 78.The Best of the Bee Gees Facebook page announced the Australian musician's death on Monday (November 18). The page did not disclose when Petersen died or his cause of death.“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin 'Smiley' Petersen," the post read. “He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care, and respect. Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace."Colin Petersen passed away at age 78. Credit: Keystone / GettyPetersen was hired as the band's first drummer in 1969 after they were formed by brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb.As an original member of the group, the late musician played a key role, featuring on six albums, including Spicks and Specks and Horizontal.He also contributed to their classic songs such as 'To Love Somebody', 'Words,' and 'Massachusetts,' and helped to establish the group's international stardom. The drummer's death comes a few years after Gibb passed away in 2012 at the age of 62, and Maurice died in 2003 at the age of 53.Barry, 78, is now the only living member of Bee Gees. Petersen was hired as Bee Gees' first drummer in 1969. Credit: GAB Archive / GettyThe late star, who began his career as a child star in the 1956 film Smiley, opened up about his time with the Bee Gees during a 2022 interview with Jason Barnard on The Strange Brew Podcast."We'd often go into the studio without a song, which gave me the chance to experiment with tempos and rhythms," he shared, cited by The Mirror. "Those tracks had a real spontaneity because we worked on them as a group. We never recorded our parts separately—it was all done together, with the orchestra coming in later."He spoke about his drumming ability, stating: "I wasn't the most technically skilled drummer, but I think that sometimes less is more.""When you're limited, you have to get creative—just like Chuck Berry, who made magic with just a few chords. For me, it was always about serving the song," he added.Bee Gees. Credit: Ivan Keeman / GettyTributes have also been paid by Petersen’s fans on social media, with one user on X writing: "Condolences to Colin Petersen’s family, friends, those who cared about him, the musicians who worked with him, fans, and the Gibb family. @GibbBarry#BeeGees."Another user penned: "Colin Petersen RIP An integral part of the early Bee Gees sound. Such sad news @BeeGee @GibbBarry."Petersen is survived by his ex-wife Joanne and their sons Jaime and Ben.Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss.Featured image credit: Keystone / Getty

Singer Ronnie Spector - who fronted the 1960s girl group The Ronettes - has died aged 78.

The pop star was renowned for her iconic beehive hairdo and trailblazing hits including 'Be My Baby', 'Baby I Love You', and 'Walking in the Rain'.

Spector in 1968. Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy

In a statement posted to her website, family members confirmed that Spector had passed away.

"Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today after a brief battle with cancer," the statement read. "She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan

"Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude."

"Her joyful sound, playful nature, and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her," the statement concluded.

Born in 1943 as Veronica Yvette Bennett, Spector grew up in Manhattan with her African-American-Cherokee mother and Irish-American father.

The Ronettes in 1966. Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy

She formed The Ronettes with her older sister and cousin when she was just 18, and it wasn't long before the trio shot to stardom.

While performing in local New York clubs, the group caught the eye of record producer Phil Spector, who became their manager and, in 1968, Spector's husband.

Under his tutelage, the group skyrocketed to international fame with their countless smash hits.

However, Spector's marriage to the record producer was less felicitous. In her memoir, she wrote that he was violently abusive, and even kept a coffin in their basement to remind her he would kill her if she left him.

In 1972 - after enduring six years of marriage and adopting three children with Spector - the singer escaped their house barefoot. The Ronette's later sued him for unpaid royalties, and he died in prison while serving a murder sentence in 2021.

After she left Spector, the singer went on to record a cover of Billy Joel's 'Say Goodbye to Hollywood' with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.

Then in 1986, she found a new generation of fans when she contributed vocals to Eddie Money's 'Take Me Home Tonight'.

Despite only releasing one studio album - 1964's Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica - The Ronette's are credited with influencing artists from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles. In 2007, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Meanwhile, their bad-girl personas - which broke ranks with the conservative female music groups of their day - paved the way for future girl bands and artists.

Spector performing in 2010. Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy

Spector released her final album - a collection of covers titled English Heart - in 2016.

She is survived by her second husband and manager Jonathan Greenfield and their two sons.

Our thoughts are with Spector's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured Image Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy

Ken Page has died aged 70.The legendary Broadway star, best known for his work on Cats and The Nightmare Before Christmas, has tragically passed away.Ken Page has passed away aged 70. Credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage/GettyThe news was announced by one of the star's friends, Dorian Hannaway, who took to Facebook to write: "Ken Page has passed onto the next show. My heart is broken."Page's agent, Lance Kirkland, also confirmed the news via TMZ that the actor passed away "very peacefully" in his home in St. Louis on Monday. It was said that the star went to sit in his chair and fell asleep and didn't wake up."He was a beautiful, talented man who was larger than life. Ken was loved and adored by so many and will be missed so much," Kirkland added.Page was known for his roles in The Nightmare Before Christmas and Cats. Credit: Vince Bucci/GettySince the news was announced, tributes have been pouring in for the late performer, with many left devastated that yet another Broadway talent has been taken from the world.Shari Belafonte, an actress and model, took to Facebook to post a heartfelt message to honor her friend."Ken Page, one of the sweetest, most talented guys on the planet," she wrote in a statement alongside a photo of the late star. "Dorian Hannaway just posted that he's left us. And, I couldn't believe it... but it's true. It feels like it's coming just a bit too fast and a tad too furiously now..."James Earl, Dame Maggie, Kris, Pete Rose, Dikembe, Officer Taggert/John Ashton, Drake H... and now Ken. RIP ALL of you. Heaven is packing it in right now with brilliant talent stepping off that First Class charter..." she added.Fellow performer Danny Elfman also took to X to publish a tribute for his late friend."I’m still stunned by last night’s terrible news. Ken Page died suddenly. He was the one and only Oggie Boogie Man. He was simply one of the best, most generous souls I know. Full of life and overflowing with joy. Talented and then some. Ken, my friend, you will be deeply missed," he wrote on the platform.Fans also took to social media to talk about their favorite moments courtesy of Page."Ken Page, the voice of Oogie Boogie, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. Rest in peace to a Halloween legend," wrote one user, while another added: "This s*** really hurts because Ken Page's voice covered so much of my childhood."A third also commented: "RIP to one of the greatest actors and singers of all time, Ken Page! You will be remembered for your incredible talents and the joy and memories you brought to this world. You will be missed."Page died peacefully at his home. Credit: Brad Barket/Getty/Sunset BoulevardPage was born and raised in St. Louis. He made it to the big stage on Broadway in 1975 when he joined the cast of The Wiz musical as the show's Lion and due to his incredible performance, he quickly became a star in the industry.His career highlights include his portrayal of Old Deuteronomy in the original Broadway production of Cats, which showcased his powerful voice and stage presence before going on to voice the character of Oogie Boogie in Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.Featured Image Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Freddie Combs - a former contestant on the US version of The X Factor - has sadly died at the age of 49.

The news was confirmed to TMZ by Combs' wife, Kay, who revealed that Freddie passed away at a Florida hospital on September 10 from kidney failure. Kay added that his death was not Covid-related.

Combs had wowed the judges and audiences during his appearance on the second season of the reality show, The X Factor. For his first audition, he received a "yes" from judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, and L.A. Reid following his rendition of Bette Midler's 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.

Relive Combs' incredible audition below:

Following his audition, he received a standing ovation, with Britney Spears telling him: "You do have an amazing voice, I’m going to say yes."

Lovato added: "You know what, you really touched me when you sang."

TMZ reports that at the time of his audition in 2011, Combs weighed 540lbs. But the former minister revealed that back in 2009, he weighed over 900lbs. In 2010, he and Kay appeared on the TLC reality show, Ton of Love.

Since then, Kay said that he'd been working hard on his weight loss - getting all the way down to 385lbs.

Per Deadline, Cowell and L.A. Reid told Freddie on the show that they would support him on his health journey. A determined Freddie - who used a wheelchair at the time - told them that he would get healthier.

His wife revealed that Cowell stood by his word.

Kay tragically revealed that she knew her husband would pass away the day before he did, telling TMZ: "I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend."

Per The Sun, the couple had been married since June 1996.

Combs' obituary reads: "Freddie spent most of his life in ministry preaching the gospel and singing praises to his Lord Jesus Christ. He has touched countless lives and their ministry will continue to do so."

Our thoughts are with Freddie's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: The X Factor/Fox

Celine Dion has shared a rare throwback photo of the day she gave birth to her son, Rene-Charles, exactly 21 years ago.

The singing sensation, 53, gushed over her eldest son as she wished him a happy birthday in a sweet post shared on Instagram.

In the throwback photo, Dion held a newborn René-Charles in a hospital bed, while her late husband René Angélil looked on with love.

Take a look at the sweet throwback picture right here:

"René-Charles, 21 years of dreams have already passed. We gave you life… Thank you very much for giving us the wonderful gift of becoming your parents," she wrote alongside the touching snap.

"Since that day, I've been thriving as I watch you grow. Your intelligence, your generosity, your courage, and your great sensitivity never cease to move me.

"We guided you from our dreams, by holding your hand. Keep exploring and above all, listen to your heart knowing that you are always carried by our love, so that now your own dreams can come true," she continued.

"Happy Birthday René-Charles! Have fun my darling… We adore you," she added.

Credit: Sipa US / Alamy

The 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker signed the post on behalf of herself, Angélil, and their 11-year-old twin sons Nelson and Eddy.

Angélil, who was also Dion's manager, died in 2016 at age 74, after years of battling throat cancer.

Earlier this month, the five-time Grammy Award winner shared a touching tribute to Angélil on the sixth anniversary of his death.

Credit: UPI / Alamy

The Instagram post featured lyrics from her 2019 song 'Courage' and a black-and-white photo of Angélil taken by photographer Hans Lambrechts.

"I would be lying if I said I'm fine, I think of you at least a hundred times, cause in the echo of my voice I hear your words just like you're there… I miss you – Céline xx…" she captioned the snap.

The singer repeated the first portion of the phrase in a second paragraph, but replaced "I miss you" with the French translation "Tu me manques."

In May 2021, Dion spoke about life after losing a husband and a father in an interview on Today.

"I feel like René has given me so much through the years and still today," she said at the time. "I see my kids. I look at them — we live with him. We still live with him. He's part of our lives every day, so I have to say that I feel very, very strong."

Featured image credit: REUTERS / Alamy