A Tale of Two Titans
Gibb’s career began humbly in England and Australia, where he and his brothers Robin and Maurice formed the Bee Gees. By the late 1960s, they had already become international stars with hits like “To Love Somebody.” However, it was their work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack in the 1970s that cemented their legacy, with classics like “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love” that made Barry’s signature falsetto a global sensation.
Throughout their rise, the Bee Gees were often compared to the Beatles. Gibb admitted that early on, McCartney and the Beatles were both a huge inspiration and an “intimidating benchmark.” He explained, “The Beatles were out there changing the rules of music every few months. You couldn’t ignore it. You could only stand in awe.”
Behind the Scenes: Friendship and Respect
Gibb’s recent revelation paints a picture far warmer than any rumored rivalry. He shared that McCartney was always “gracious” and “genuinely interested” in other artists’ work. He recalled a specific instance in the late 1970s when McCartney dropped by their recording studio in London, not for a grand entrance but simply to talk about their craft.
“It wasn’t about egos that night,” Gibb said. “It was just two blokes who loved music sitting in a room and talking about chord changes, melodies, and why certain songs just work.” This story of quiet camaraderie and shared passion, Gibb said, is the real truth behind their relationship.
For Barry, speaking openly now is about honoring a fellow artist while he still can. “When you get to my age, you don’t want to leave things unsaid,” he reflected. “I just want people to know he’s as real and kind as they come.”