Bee Gee Robin Gibb, in failing health for the last year, has slipped into a coma, and the end is feared near. The Bee Gees as a group has defied almost insurmountable odds to become an iconic entity like no other.
What middle-age man or woman cannot remember their scintillating music from the legendary film “Saturday Night Fever.”
From “How Deep Is Your Love,” to “Night Fever,” to “If I Can’t Have You,” we can’t really recall any other music that so fit a film. Of course the 1977 film, based on writer Nik Cohen’s novel, “The Tribal Rites of Saturday Night,” was epic in every sense of the word.
The album went onto win a Grammy for Album of the Year and in 2003, was ranked #131 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop and Soul charts, and was also the all-time No. 1 soundtrack album until Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard” surpassed it in 1992.
The film also introduced us to actor John Travolta and made stars of the other music acts heard in the film, including Tavares, Yvonne Elliman, Kool & the Gang and KC and the Sunshine Band.
Of course, we were introduced to the group many years before with their hits “I Started a Joke” and “Lonely Days.” Their angelic harmonies (Barry, Maurice and Robin) were pristine and unique; they didn’t sound like anybody else!
When you stop for a moment and consider all the artists they’ve both produced and written for, it’s somewhat staggering. Think Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross and Cliff Richard. Also, not to be overlooked is their amazing production record, with Arif Mardin, no less.
The producer asked Barry during a session, to try to sing in a falsetto, hence, magic was created. Even after their worldwide success with Fever, the group continued to shine with one tremendous album after another, like One, Size Isn’t Everything, Spirits Having Flown, Living Eyes and their most recent, This Is Where I Came In.
For newer fans, who could not laugh at Jimmy Fallon’s hilarious Barry Gibb impersonations on “Saturday Night Live.” According to Fallon, “never a joke, a tribute!”
Maurice Gibb passed in 2003, and though at the time it was widely reported that the group had officially ended, Barry and Robin did reunite several times with hope for a new album.
Now, it appears as though the group has come to an end. A sad chapter, considering what a worldwide phenomenon they were. The Bee Gees … RIP.
Names in the News
Matt Lauer, Jim Bell, Eddie Finocchiaro, Tara Sherman, Rebecca Bruder, William Schill, Peter Shendell, Matt Sucich, Race Taylor, Tom & Lisa Cuddy, Scott Shannon, Jane Hanson, Elvis Duran, Micky Dolenz, Michele Grant, Art Rutter, Benny Jett, Randy Alexander, Mandi Dixon, Jacqueline Boyd, Shannon.
Winchester is a pseudonym for a long-time New York City entertainment writer and public relations guru. He writes frequently for The New York Independent.
Not happy with your premature RIP. Have been a massive fan of the Gibbs for decades, have even had tea in Robins garden with him – and, yes, whilst I agree the prognosis is not good, do not underestimate this man – if you look into his history you will see that health wise he has overcome a huge amount of scares and I think to put RIP before anything (God forbid) happens to the poor chap is not only offensive, but insensitive to his family and his friends and fans.
Not happy with your premature RIP. Have been a massive fan of the Gibbs for decades, have even had tea in Robins garden with him – and, yes, whilst I agree the prognosis is not good, do not underestimate this man – if you look into his history you will see that health wise he has overcome a huge amount of scares and I think to put RIP before anything (God forbid) happens to the poor chap is not only offensive, but insensitive to his family and his friends and fans.
Dear Gibb family,
I wish I could take all the pain away. but can’t. My love and prayers to all of you. Robin, you will be in my heart, always.
With all my heart,
Norma Flores
Dear Gibb family,
I wish I could take all the pain away. but can’t. My love and prayers to all of you. Robin, you will be in my heart, always.
With all my heart,
Norma Flores
While your article was well written – sad to see that you had to end it with a heartbreaking RIP. Their music lives on and will be treasured forever. The world would be a better place if music today could exemplify what the Brothers Gibb have.
While your article was well written – sad to see that you had to end it with a heartbreaking RIP. Their music lives on and will be treasured forever. The world would be a better place if music today could exemplify what the Brothers Gibb have.
Never heard of him
Never heard of him
Steve, don’t misinterpret what is written in the article. The “RIP” was not for Robin, but the Bee Gees (and it clearly says so). The author believes that the band won’t come back from this, regardless of whether RG recovers or not (we’re all hoping for the best Robin). The Bee Gees have been out of action since 2003 and when they plan to get together again this happens, yes it’s speculation but it’s quite possible it is the end of the Bee Gees.
Steve, don’t misinterpret what is written in the article. The “RIP” was not for Robin, but the Bee Gees (and it clearly says so). The author believes that the band won’t come back from this, regardless of whether RG recovers or not (we’re all hoping for the best Robin). The Bee Gees have been out of action since 2003 and when they plan to get together again this happens, yes it’s speculation but it’s quite possible it is the end of the Bee Gees.
I have enjoyed the music of the Brothers Gibb since 1967, the first moment I heard them on the radio.
I had the pleasure to meet them in 1971 and a nicer bunch you could never meet. Very down to earth and wonderful sense of humor.
I was there for Mo’s Park dedication in Miami Beach, it was a moving, loving and honorable way to celebrate Mo’s life and name that park after him as he had spent so many hours there.
Robin is a very strong person, I refuse to give up on him recovering; he was able to beat the cancer, I live in hope he will beat this latest health set back as well.
I have enjoyed the music of the Brothers Gibb since 1967, the first moment I heard them on the radio.
I had the pleasure to meet them in 1971 and a nicer bunch you could never meet. Very down to earth and wonderful sense of humor.
I was there for Mo’s Park dedication in Miami Beach, it was a moving, loving and honorable way to celebrate Mo’s life and name that park after him as he had spent so many hours there.
Robin is a very strong person, I refuse to give up on him recovering; he was able to beat the cancer, I live in hope he will beat this latest health set back as well.
Lots of love Robin!! XO Lisa <3
Lots of love Robin!! XO Lisa <3
Robin the world is a better place because you are here and sang for us. When you join your brothers Andy, and Maurice the ultimate reunion will continue. I will always remember your smile that brightened the world when you sang it was evident that you enjoyed making people happy by sharing your gift with us, and for being here I thank you. I you peace, comfort, and love. THANK YOU! Kevin
Robin the world is a better place because you are here and sang for us. When you join your brothers Andy, and Maurice the ultimate reunion will continue. I will always remember your smile that brightened the world when you sang it was evident that you enjoyed making people happy by sharing your gift with us, and for being here I thank you. I you peace, comfort, and love. THANK YOU! Kevin
Steve,
I agree with you. The RIP is out of line.
NEVER count a good Gibb down.
Steve,
I agree with you. The RIP is out of line.
NEVER count a good Gibb down.
Robin i hope you will recover i haved loved your music for years thereis no one who can compare to the bee gees your music will live on forever god bless you and your family keep fighting x
Robin i hope you will recover i haved loved your music for years thereis no one who can compare to the bee gees your music will live on forever god bless you and your family keep fighting x
The Gibb family is a very strong a even closer family. Don’t count Robin out of the game quite yet. The whole artist le is an insult, there will never be an end to their era! They are a legacy not an era, and to refer to them as that is an insult to music! Tough times are hard enough to go thru, but when you have to do it in the public eye doesn’t create a healthy environment. Why don’t you all stay out of their family business? When they want to give you an update, I’m sure they will. Robin is very ill, and this article has prematurely written his obituary. Don’t count him out yet, the music has not stopped. God be with him and all his family, my prayers are with you. Don’t forget when God is ready, he will let you know!
The Gibb family is a very strong a even closer family. Don’t count Robin out of the game quite yet. The whole artist le is an insult, there will never be an end to their era! They are a legacy not an era, and to refer to them as that is an insult to music! Tough times are hard enough to go thru, but when you have to do it in the public eye doesn’t create a healthy environment. Why don’t you all stay out of their family business? When they want to give you an update, I’m sure they will. Robin is very ill, and this article has prematurely written his obituary. Don’t count him out yet, the music has not stopped. God be with him and all his family, my prayers are with you. Don’t forget when God is ready, he will let you know!
Willie:
You might very well have never heard of him – but even my two teens have just by osmosis. So I have to guess you are either incredibly dull and do not get out much or you think the comment was funny.
Either way I feel sorry for your pathetic life. Perhaps it is not too late for you – you could actually find out who Robin was and see what it takes to be a real grown up man.
Yes, the RIP was for the band – not Robin. But I still have the One Night Only CD in my car and and all the great memories. Including the first song that hooked me -Massachusettes.
Willie:
You might very well have never heard of him – but even my two teens have just by osmosis. So I have to guess you are either incredibly dull and do not get out much or you think the comment was funny.
Either way I feel sorry for your pathetic life. Perhaps it is not too late for you – you could actually find out who Robin was and see what it takes to be a real grown up man.
Yes, the RIP was for the band – not Robin. But I still have the One Night Only CD in my car and and all the great memories. Including the first song that hooked me -Massachusettes.
Oh, how I love your music. You have always been my favorite. Loved the early Bee Gees as well as the disco periods. What a wonderful contribution you have made to the music industry and you music got me through some of the hardest times in my life. I love you forever!
Oh, how I love your music. You have always been my favorite. Loved the early Bee Gees as well as the disco periods. What a wonderful contribution you have made to the music industry and you music got me through some of the hardest times in my life. I love you forever!
Mr. Robin Gibb, you have made this world such a better place for all. I’m proud of having had this love for your music for all these years. I’m praying and hoping beyond all hope you can make it through this. Please know you are loved, appreciated, heralded, admired and wanted and needed here.
Mr. Robin Gibb, you have made this world such a better place for all. I’m proud of having had this love for your music for all these years. I’m praying and hoping beyond all hope you can make it through this. Please know you are loved, appreciated, heralded, admired and wanted and needed here.
THE RIP whatever it is for is disrespectful. Tasteless internet journalism what a joke. Never saw this site before don’t care to see it again pure trash. Nothing more nothing less.
THE RIP whatever it is for is disrespectful. Tasteless internet journalism what a joke. Never saw this site before don’t care to see it again pure trash. Nothing more nothing less.
Wow what is the world comming to, if Evis can make his memory last there is no question about the Bee Gees ,they will be in peoples hearts for ever their music is so strong and always will be no matter what happens ,.Robin your well loved the world over so is Barry and the late Bee Gees Maurice and Andy ….Prayers and hope the world wide for you Robin my fondest wishes goes to all Robins family and friends xxxx
Wow what is the world comming to, if Evis can make his memory last there is no question about the Bee Gees ,they will be in peoples hearts for ever their music is so strong and always will be no matter what happens ,.Robin your well loved the world over so is Barry and the late Bee Gees Maurice and Andy ….Prayers and hope the world wide for you Robin my fondest wishes goes to all Robins family and friends xxxx
i have loved the BeeGees music for decades and loved Robin’s voice. i lost my husband last July and know first hand how ravishing cancer can be. i hope if you have to go, you will go peacefully and have no pain. hope you have a joyous reunion with your brothers. they will welcome you with open arms. my fave song is still, “To Love Somebody”. stay strong family
i have loved the BeeGees music for decades and loved Robin’s voice. i lost my husband last July and know first hand how ravishing cancer can be. i hope if you have to go, you will go peacefully and have no pain. hope you have a joyous reunion with your brothers. they will welcome you with open arms. my fave song is still, “To Love Somebody”. stay strong family
The RIP was directed towards The Bee Gees…not Robin.
The RIP was directed towards The Bee Gees…not Robin.
I think if you read it properly the article is saying R.I.P bee gees, and it states so very clearly.Even if he comes through this there will be no more bee gees,as much as we all loved them.Thought and prayers are with his wife and family at this time.If it is your time then thank you for all your music that brought so much happiness to millions xx
I think if you read it properly the article is saying R.I.P bee gees, and it states so very clearly.Even if he comes through this there will be no more bee gees,as much as we all loved them.Thought and prayers are with his wife and family at this time.If it is your time then thank you for all your music that brought so much happiness to millions xx
What a disgusting story; Robin Gibb is fighting for his life and this jerk is already writing RIP, what a moron!! This guy also doesn’t know anything about the Bee Gees. They were not a disco band!!! They also dominated in the late 60’s with ballads and they continued to be huge outside of the U.S. in the 80’s and 90’s! I can’t stand ignorance.
We are praying for you Robin. What I joy to have had the pleasure of seeing the Bee Gees in concert twice; simply magical!!! God bless!!
What a disgusting story; Robin Gibb is fighting for his life and this jerk is already writing RIP, what a moron!! This guy also doesn’t know anything about the Bee Gees. They were not a disco band!!! They also dominated in the late 60’s with ballads and they continued to be huge outside of the U.S. in the 80’s and 90’s! I can’t stand ignorance.
We are praying for you Robin. What I joy to have had the pleasure of seeing the Bee Gees in concert twice; simply magical!!! God bless!!