Robin Gibb: 1949-2012

[Tiassa]

Robin Gibb: 1949-2012

"In the event of something happening to me, there is something I would like you all to see. It's just a photograph of someone that I knew."

—Bee Gees

The Bee Gees were, in fact, one of my first pop music loves. My brother and I listened, learned, sang. Among the endless days of listening to our parents' music—Elvis Presley, Jim Croce, John Denver, Anne Murray—it was the Bee Gees, found first on a compilation tape showing off the cassette player in my father's new Oldsmobile when I was five, and then on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, that finally grabbed us. The disco-era Bee Gees captivated my brother and me for a few years, until we eventually began developing our own tastes in popular music.

Even in the years when we were supposed to hide that affection, because, well, the Bee Gees just weren't cool among my generation, a quirk of circumstance seared "Spirits Having Flown" into memory; it was my "ufo song", that to this day echoes in my mind's ear when the subject of little green men, or Reticulan grays, or Betty and Barney Hill, or any number of others, arises.

It's almost embarrassing to admit that I was in my twenties before I figured out that there was another notion of the Bee Gees. Indeed, it is difficult to explain, but "New York Mining Disaster 1941" completely redefined a lifetime's experience; fascination, vindication, reflection.

These days I can listen to the Bee Gees without thinking I'm taking part in some cosmic joke. Even in their later music, I could still hear the dimensions that separated the Bee Gees from other pop acts struggling to endure decades of being unwanted.

And as they fall, one by one, I can only take the moments to meander fondly through the summertime of youthful memories.

I didn't grow up on Sinatra, Simon, or Simone. I grew up on later pop music, and it started with the Bee Gees. And, yes, I think I'm lucky for that.

Good night, Robin. Thank you.

[Xotica]

I love the early BeeGees... a marriage of beautiful harmonies and lush arrangements. I am not very fond of their disco era, which was ushered in with the Main Course album (1975). That said, the middle bridge in the song below from that album is simply gorgeous.

The BeeGees - Nights On Broadway

Rest in Blessed Peace Robin

[Carcano]

The first time I heard the BeeGees was in 1973 when I saw a British film called 'Melody'. I was 9 or 10 years old at the time and for several weeks after I just couldnt get this song out of my head...the greatest accolade any composer can hope for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qieD1SdNaR8

Who is the girl with the crying face
Looking at millions of signs?
She knows that life is a running race,
Her face shouldn't show any sides.

Melody Fair won't you comb your hair?
You can be beautiful too.
Melody Fair...remember you're only a woman.
Melody Fair...remember you're only a girl.

Who is the girl at the window pane,
Watching the rain falling down?
Melody, life isn't like the rain,
Its just like a merry go round.

[Fraggle Rocker]

As a musician I hated disco because it allowed club owners to bring in crowds of dancers without having to hire and pay a band. But I loved their early pre-disco songs. "To Love Somebody", "Massachusetts", etc.

But after the disco era ended I eventually forgave them. The songs on "Saturday Night Fever" are great.

And I'm one of the six people who loved the movie "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." They were great in that. I've never been able to figure out why it was such a flop. It was a nice tribute, hilarious with a few touches of poignancy, and the musical performances were fabulous. Aerosmith's cover of "Come Together" is better than the original.

So sorry to see them dying off, one by one, so young.

[Stoniphi]

I was another of the 6...the one who sat behind you in the theatre throwing popcorn at the back of your head.

[JackMcS]

So very sad was a big BeeGees Fan. Good stuff, but a sad time.. Too many high end celebrities are dying this year it seems

[Gremmie]

I was another of the 6...the one who sat behind you in the theatre throwing popcorn at the back of your head.

I guess I was right behind you...Because I vividly remember seeing Sgt. Pepper's, and wasting all my popcorn on the dorks in front of me...

Yeah, I wasn't known as the nicest kid back then.

I like to think I've changed...

But, as they say, hope springs eternal.

But, R.I.P. Robin....You were a talented dude.

[madanthonywayne]

The Bee Gees. They pretty much defined the disco era. Everyone had a copy of Saturday Night Fever.

RIP