In 1987, Barry Gibb and his younger brother Andy Gibb performed a stunning duet of the Bee Gees’ hit song “To Love Somebody” at the annual Love and Hope Ball in Miami. This rare performance was one of the few times the famous brothers sang together in public, and it took place just one year before Andy’s tragic death.
The Love and Hope Ball, a private event held to raise funds for the Diabetes Research Institute, provided the setting for this emotional duet. Barry and Andy’s soulful rendition of the 1967 Bee Gees classic captivated the audience and became one of the most cherished moments in the event’s history. At the time, Barry and his wife, Linda, had been actively involved with the charity, and Barry had served as the International Chairman since 1985.
Despite their incredible success, the Gibb brothers faced deep personal challenges, with Andy struggling with substance abuse. In the years following his death, Barry and Robin Gibb reflected on their attempts to help Andy overcome his addiction. Barry expressed his sorrow, stating, “We’ve had as much tragedy as we’ve had success. But of course, we’d give up all that success to have Andy and Maurice back.”
Robin Gibb shared a haunting memory of the last conversation he had with Andy just three days before his death. He had warned Andy that his destructive lifestyle would catch up with him, but tragically, the youngest Gibb collapsed and passed away shortly afterward. Robin’s words still haunted him, “It was a rainy night, and I said, ‘Andy, if you keep up what you’re doing, you will not see 47.’”
Andy Gibb had been battling substance abuse for years and had twice entered drug rehabilitation. In 1988, just before his untimely death, he had plans for a comeback, including a record deal with Island Records. The Bee Gees had even announced that Andy would be joining the group as the fourth Bee Gee. However, the deal was never finalized, and Andy’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 30.
Barry Gibb emotionally reflected on his younger brother, recalling Andy’s infectious enthusiasm and zest for life. “He was a boy,” Barry said, emphasizing their similarities, even down to having the same birthmarks. He remembered Andy as someone who pursued his dreams with passion, whether it was flying a plane or barefoot water-skiing. Andy’s carefree spirit and adventurous nature were captured in their shared memories.
Two days after celebrating his 30th birthday in London, Andy was admitted to a hospital in Oxford after complaining of chest pains. He died shortly thereafter, with a heart attack being the cause, likely exacerbated by his long battle with drug abuse.
Andy Gibb was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, with his headstone bearing the words “An Everlasting Love” alongside his birth and death dates.
The duet of “To Love Somebody” performed by the Gibb brothers at the Love and Hope Ball remains a bittersweet reminder of their bond, with Barry Gibb continuing to reflect on the loss of both Andy and his other brother, Maurice, who passed away in 2003. Despite the immense success of their careers, the Bee Gees’ personal losses have left an indelible mark on their legacy.