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Second Bee Gees member dies within four days

<p>Drummer Byron Dennis, who played a pivotal role in the success of The Bee Gees, has died just days after one of the original band members also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/original-bee-gees-star-passes-away-aged-78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a>. </p> <p>Touring drummer Dennis Bryon died aged 76 in Nashville on November 14th, just four days before original Bee Gees drummer Colin “Smiley” Petersen.</p> <p>The news of Bryon’s death was confirmed by his former bandmate, Blue Weaver, who performed alongside him in another band before he joined the Bee Gees.</p> <p>“I am lost for words at the moment. Dennis has passed away,” Weaver wrote in a heartfelt social media post.</p> <p>“Dennis has been my friend since we were in our first band together aged 15. His great drumming will always Stay Alive.”</p> <p>Bryon was the group's drummer between 1973 and 1981, and played on some of the Bee Gees’ most iconic disco hits, including <em>Stayin’ Alive</em> and <em>Night Fever</em>.</p> <p>Just days before Dennis's tragic death, the Bee Gees original drummer Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen, as the band confirmed the news of his passing with a post on social media. </p> <p>“It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dear friend Colin ‘Smiley’ Petersen,” the post read.</p> <p>“He enriched our lives and bound our group with love, care and respect."</p> <p>“Not sure how we can go on without his glowing smile and deep friendship. We love you Col. Rest in Peace.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Mediapunch/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px; font-size: 1.125rem; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33;"> </p>

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Former world champion cyclist to face court over Olympian wife's death

<p>Rohan Dennis, the husband of former Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins, will face court after allegedly causing her death. </p> <p>Dennis, a former world champion cyclist, was arrested in January and charged with  causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.</p> <p>It is alleged that he recklessly struck his wife with his car in front of their home in Medindie in Adelaide on December 30.</p> <p>Hoskins was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died later that night. </p> <p>The pair share two children together, and Dennis is due to appear at the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.</p> <p>If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. </p> <p>The Australian cycling community were devastated when news of Hoskins' death first broke. </p> <p>"Melissa described her team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 world championships as the highlight of her career but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around," AusCycling chief executive Marne Fechner said at the time.</p> <p>"Although she retired in 2017, her presence as an alumnus of the sport has been felt and appreciated by many in the cycling and riding community."</p> <p>Hoskins competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics as a member of the Australian track cycling team pursuit, that finished fourth place. </p> <p>She also competed at the 2016 Olympics for the same team, and was in the squad that won the 2015 world title in the event. </p> <p>The Olympian was laid to rest in her hometown, Perth, in January with a public memorial service held in Adelaide during what would've been her 33rd birthday a month later.</p> <p>Dennis, who has been on bail since January, attended both ceremonies. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Ricky Martin hits back at “maladjusted” nephew with massive lawsuit

<p dir="ltr">Ricky Martin has filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against his 21-year-old nephew who previously accused the singer of sexual abuse.</p> <p dir="ltr">The suit comes a month after Martin’s nephew, Dennis Yadiel Sanchez, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/truth-prevails-ricky-martin-addresses-nephew-after-harassment-case-heard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrew a restraining order</a> laid against the 50-year-old celebrity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Martin filed the $US 20 million suit on Wednesday, as reported by TMZ, which contains claims from Martin that his nephew is a “maladjusted individual” who would message him up to ten times a day over a four-month period, threatening to “assassinate his reputation and integrity” if he didn’t give him cash.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Livin’ La Vida Loca</em> singer also alleged that Sanchez shared his mobile phone number online and made an Instagram account for one of Martin’s children.</p> <p dir="ltr">He believes he has missed out on lucrative business opportunities, according to the suit, and is seeking the hefty sum for damages.</p> <p dir="ltr">Martin, who parents his four children with husband Jwan Yosef, said he and his family felt “unsafe” in Puerto Rico due to Sanchez’s alleged behaviour.</p> <p dir="ltr">In July, Martin shared a clip explaining why he hadn’t addressed Sanchez’s claims the pair were in an incestuous relationship when they first emerged.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For two weeks, I was not allowed to defend myself because I was following procedure, where the law … obligated me not to talk until I was in front of the judge,” Martin said in the clip while dressed in a suit and tie.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f5ea56f4-7fff-6297-835b-a33656e0d008"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Sanchez, who is the son of Martin’s half-sister Vanessa Martin, alleged he and Martin were in a relationship for seven months and that his uncle stalked him at his house following their breakup.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgRx1HwL36j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgRx1HwL36j/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In the video, Martin shared his relief over the dismissal of the case but noted the negative impact it had on his loved ones.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank God these claims were proven to be false, but I’m going to tell you the truth, it has been so painful and devastating for me, for my family for my friends,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t wish this upon anybody.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-81b23761-7fff-62df-22c9-bb98fa88ba6c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @ricky_martin (Instagram)</em></p>

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One of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ passes away aged 102

<p dir="ltr">Dennis Davis, a World War II veteran and one of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’ has passed away aged 102.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Davis was one of 14,000 diggers who held out against German and Italian forces in the 241-day siege on Libya’s Tobruk port in 1941.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Aussie soldiers, along with another 5,000 allied soldiers, were dubbed the ‘Rats of Tobruk’ for their efforts over the eight-month campaign.</p> <p dir="ltr">After falling ill in the days before Anzac Day this year, Mr Davis secured a leave pass from the hospital so that he could still attend an Anzac ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall, where he laid a wreath in honour of his fellow veterans.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was harder to get out of the hospital than it was to get out of the army,” he joked to his family, according to the Australian Remembrance Foundation.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-93834177-7fff-a6cd-81e6-44a2f7f70cc6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">During Channel 7’s ‘Lest We Forget’ concert tribute to the ANZACs earlier this year, Mr Davis was the subject of a Veteran’s Tribute, before he laid the wreath at the Town Hall Anzac Day service.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oaq3RS9Rffk?start=904&amp;end=1174" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">On Monday, August 15, Mr Davis attended a ceremony at the cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place with fellow veterans to mark the 77th Victory in the Pacific Day.</p> <p dir="ltr">The foundation announced Mr Davis’ passing on Thursday, August 18, as reported by the AAP.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/stories-service/veterans-stories/dennis-daviss-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">His story</a> is also included in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs stories of service program, which shares the experiences of veterans to support education in Australia’s military history.</p> <p dir="ltr">After migrating from London to Australia, Mr Davis enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1940, serving in the Middle East, New Guinea and Borneo during WWII.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following his involvement in the Seige of Tobruk and battles at El Alamein, Mr Davis was sent to serve in a newly formed ski unit.</p> <p dir="ltr">On his return to Australia, he married his fiancé Margaret before departing again to serve in New Guinea and Borneo.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Davis was finally discharged in November 1945 and returned to his job at the tax office.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was married to Margaret for 61 years before she passed away in 2004, and they are both survived by two children, seven grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0e00ab4d-7fff-d18b-d13f-756758a25c16"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Veterans’ Foundation (Facebook)</em></p>

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Dennis Waterman's ex-wife reveals cause of death

<p dir="ltr">The ex-wife of beloved <em>Minder</em> star Dennis Waterman has revealed his cause of death after dying at the age of 74.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-minder-star-dennis-waterman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legendary actor passed away</a> in bed with his wife Pam beside him and it has only now been revealed that he suffered a two year battle with lung cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">His ex-wife and mother of his two daughters Patricia Maynard revealed the cause of his death a few days later. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm terribly sad that he's gone but I'm really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully,” she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10802353/Dennis-Watermans-second-wife-Patricia-says-passed-away-peacefully-lung-cancer-battle.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MailOnline</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Patricia went on to reflect on her relationship with the legendary star saying that despite it not working out, at least he was happy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The years that Dennis and I were together were happy. Obviously, it didn't work out but lots of marriages don't work out for whatever reason,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But I'm so glad he had found the right woman at the end. I think he was very happy with Pam and she was with him when he passed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dennis’s death was announced on Sunday with the family releasing a statement for privacy as tributes flowed through.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” the statement read. </p> <p dir="ltr">His daughter, EastEnders star Hannah Waterman, also took to Instagram to share a heartwarming throwback photo of Dennis cradling her as a baby.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Me and my Dad! Gosh how I loved him. X,” the 46-year-old captioned the photo. </p> <p dir="ltr">The post was met with several tributes to the late actor who starred in <em>Minder, The Sweeney, New Tricks, Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales</em> and <em>Moses</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I’m so sorry for your loss, Hannah. My late ex-husband worked with your Dad on Stay Lucky and often talked about the laughs they had x Dennis Waterman was a national treasure xxx,” one person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Very sorry for your loss Hannah, may Dennis RIP. I love watching the Sweeney and Minder time to time and Dennis was brilliant in both. Let's Chelsea win the Cup for him on Saturday,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I’m so sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences to you. My Dad worked with him four times on stage and screen", a third remembered,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Tributes flow for Minder star Dennis Waterman

<p>Legendary tough-guy actor Dennis Waterman has passed away at the age of 74.</p> <p>One of the most popular television actors of the 1970s and 80s, Waterman starred as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder after first finding fame as tough nut cop George Carter in The Sweeney.</p> <p>In more recent years, he starred as Gerry Standing in the BBC’s New Tricks, and throughout his career other TV roles included ITV’s Where The Heart Is, The Canterbury Tales and Moses Jones, both for the BBC.</p> <p>In a statement, his family shared that he passed away in Spain with his wife Pam at his side.</p> <p>They stated: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.'</p> <p>A number of tributes have flooded in as news broke of Waterman's death:</p> <p>Producer Jonathan Sothcott tweeted: 'Dennis Waterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor.</p> <p>'Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.'</p> <p>Actor Stuart Anthony said: 'Dennis Waterman has left us. What a fantastic talent and lovely man. Such a loss to the industry. RIP.'</p> <p>Newsreader Kay Burley posted: 'A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more.'</p> <p>DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles also today reminisced about a charity golf trip he took alongside Waterman.</p> <p>Knowles tweeted: 'I played golf on a tour to Bermuda with Dennis Waterman - I'm not much of a golfer - he was - but it was time spent with him between rounds that were well worth the trip. A genuinely lovely guy. RIP.' </p> <p>Journalist John Sweeney tweeted: 'RIP Dennis Waterman. The Sweeney was everything great TV drama should be: gritty, honest, true.'</p> <p>Actor and writer Reece Shearsmith added: 'RIP Dennis Waterman. When I worked with him on "New Tricks" he made me the best cups of tea.</p> <p>'And of course I just spent the time grilling him about "Scars of Dracula".'</p> <p>Former Eastenders actor Craig Fairbrass said: 'Truly upset &amp; gutted hearing this news. I loved him - my days will never be the same watching ITV4 Sweeney &amp; Minder. Quality classic TV. RIP Dennis x'</p> <p>Minder was later revived by Channel 5 in 2009, but Waterman did not return for the new season. Other career highlights included numerous stints on the stage and he played Alfred Doolittle in a Royal National Theatre production of My Fair Lady, as well as starring in a tour production of Don't Dress For Dinner.</p> <p>His talents did not end with acting and he had a keen interest in music, having recorded albums and singles, including songs which charted in Australia, New Zealand and Britain.</p> <p>The final project of his acting career came in 2020 in the form of Australian drama-comedy film Never Too Late. </p> <p>Waterman married his fourth wife Pam Flint in 2011 after being friends for many years and they remained together until his passing.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Beach Boys' Mike Love reveals Dennis and Carl Wilson bought heroin before infamous 1978 Aussie show

<p>The Beach Boys singer Mike Love has revealed the reason behind one of the band’s most infamous blunders, four decades after it took place.</p> <p>During an interview with <em>Sunday Night</em>, the 77-year-old American star opened up about the poor performance they delivered during their 1978 Australian tour, where fans demanded their money back.</p> <p>The band were forced to apologise after the show, with Carl Wilson stating that he had consumed two Mai Tais before the concert.</p> <p>“What happened was I did not feel well yesterday,” he said at the time. “I had a Valium and I had two Mai Tais without having a meal.”</p> <p>However, Mike has revealed that the terrible performance had a much more scandalous cause.</p> <p>“Dennis [Wilson] and Carl [Wilson] bought heroin. Having those guys buy heroin while we're on tour in Australia, it wasn't my cup of tea honestly, so I was mortified by that,” Mike said. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819205/12_498x245.jpg" alt="12"/></p> <p>“I think that was not a great thing for The Beach Boys to be involved with. I think our music and our way of life and what we always promoted is positivity and harmony. It didn't fit,” he said.</p> <p>Dennis died in 1983 following a battle with drug and alcohol addiction, and Carl passed away from lung cancer in 1998.</p> <p>In the interview, band-member Brian Wilson revealed that he still grieves over the loss of his brothers.</p> <p>“It was very difficult, very very difficult. I still to this day mourn their death.”</p> <p>Now, the band is promoting their new album which sees 16 of their hits reimagined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.</p> <p>“I always knew the vocal arrangements I did back in the 1960s would lend themselves perfectly for a symphony,” Brian said in a statement.</p> <p>“I am both proud and humbled by what they have created using our songs.”</p> <p>The new album will include reimagined tracks of 1963’s Fun, Fun, Fun and 1988’s Kokomo. </p>

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