On March 10, 1989, Hugh and Barbara Gibb, parents of the late singer Andy Gibb, shared heartfelt reflections on their son’s life and legacy in a rare interview. They recounted Andy’s meteoric rise to fame, achieving three consecutive number-one hits from his debut album at just 18 or 19 years old—a feat that even the Beatles hadn’t accomplished. Barbara expressed pride in his success but also concern, noting, “It really did go to his head.”
The interview delved into the pressures Andy faced, including hosting a major television music program and his highly publicized relationship with actress Victoria Principal. His parents dismissed media narratives suggesting that the end of this relationship led to his downfall, with Hugh stating, “It was just a myth. Garbage.”
Barbara spoke candidly about Andy’s struggles with dependency, describing him as someone who “wanted to be babied.” Despite efforts to overcome his challenges, Andy succumbed to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection, at the age of 30. His mother recalled his last words: “You can’t die from this, can you?”
In tribute to Andy’s memory, the City of Miami named a street after him—Andy Gibb Drive. His sister shared her ongoing grief, saying, “Sometimes I think he’s on tour… and he’s going to come home.” The interview stands as a poignant testament to Andy Gibb’s enduring impact on his family and fans worldwide.