Sunday, May 20, 2012

Robin Gibb, R. I. P.

Music News | Rolling Stone: Gibb was born in Manchester, England, in 1949, along with twin brother Maurice. (Maurice died in 2003 of complications from a twisted intestine; eerily, Robin had surgery for the same medical issue in 2010.) Along with their older brother Barry, the brothers began harmonizing as a trio in Australia, where the family moved in 1958. Although the Bee Gees had some success in Australia – they hosted a weekly variety show there – they didn't truly arrive until they returned to England and signed with manager Robert Stigwood. Robin's quivering, vulnerable voice was featured prominently on several of the group's earliest and most Beatles-eque hits, including "New York Mining Disaster 1941," "I Started a Joke," "Massachusetts," and "I've Gotta Get a Message to You."

5 comments:

Deb said...

The Disco Dollies are weeping a lot this week.

/Spare a thought for Barry Gibb, who has now lost all three of his brothers.

Anonymous said...

And their mother, who has outlived them.

RIP

Jeff

Evan Lewis said...

More evidence, if any was needed, that death sucks.

Deb said...

Oh Jeff, I did not know their mother was still alive. How devastating for her.

Anonymous said...

Robin and Maurice were fraternal twins (born 35 minutes apart, apparently). Maurice was the one married to Lulu from 1969 to 1973. I don't know why I thought it was Barry.

Jeff