Introduction:
The Turbulent Life and Lasting Legacy of Robin Gibb
Robin Gibb was often remembered as the quiet, introspective twin of the Bee Gees—the gentle voice behind some of the group’s most haunting and timeless songs. Yet behind the vibrato that defined hits like Massachusetts and I Started a Joke, Robin’s life was marked by turbulence, excess, and personal battles that few fans ever saw.
Born on December 22, 1949, just 35 minutes before his twin brother Maurice, Robin entered the world in postwar Britain, where survival itself was uncertain. From the start, Robin was considered the more thoughtful twin, while Maurice was easygoing and playful. Music ran deep in the Gibb household, with their father Hugh working as a bandleader and their mother Barbara lending her voice to local performances. Nights at home were filled with melodies that would shape the brothers’ future.
By the mid-1950s, Robin and his brothers Barry and Maurice were mischievous troublemakers in Manchester, often getting into scrapes with neighbors and local police. But their mischief gave way to ambition. At just eight years old, Robin confidently told a neighbor: “We’re going to be rich one day. We’re going to form a band.”
In 1958, the Gibb family emigrated to Australia, chasing new opportunities. There, the boys began performing at local venues and soon caught the attention of record executives. By 1963, they had signed their first deal with Festival Records, and though their early work was rough, their distinct harmonies stood out. Their big break came in 1967, when they returned to England and signed with Robert Stigwood. Within months, they had international hits with New York Mining Disaster 1941 and Massachusetts, solidifying their place in the pop scene.
Robin’s voice became the group’s emotional anchor. In 1968, he penned I Started a Joke, a melancholy ballad inspired by the hum of a plane engine. But fame came at a heavy cost. Exhaustion, clashes with Barry over creative control, and a solo split in 1969 tested his resilience. Although his solo work found success, Robin soon reunited with his brothers, and together they reinvented their sound.
The mid-1970s brought their disco reinvention, with hits like Jive Talkin’ and You Should Be Dancing. Their work for Saturday Night Fever in 1977 catapulted them into global superstardom, selling millions and redefining an era. Yet behind the glitz, Robin’s life spiraled. At just 17, he began using methadrine, a powerful amphetamine, which fueled erratic behavior and destroyed his marriage to Molly Hullis. In 1981, he was investigated by the FBI for alleged death threats against his estranged wife, though no charges were filed.
Through the chaos, the brothers continued writing for others, creating classics like Barbra Streisand’s Woman in Love and Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Islands in the Stream. But tragedy struck in 2003 when Robin’s twin, Maurice, died unexpectedly. Robin admitted it felt as though half his soul had been torn away.
In 2011, Robin was diagnosed with colon cancer. Though he fought valiantly, he passed away on May 20, 2012, at age 62. In his final days, he spoke often of Maurice, and at his funeral, his last request—How Deep Is Your Love—was played as a tribute.
For all the fame, scandals, and turmoil, Robin Gibb’s story remains one of extraordinary artistry, brotherhood, and a voice that could stop the world in its tracks. His legacy endures, not only in the Bee Gees’ legendary catalog but in the quiet ache of every note he sang.