Introduction
The YouTube video titled “Barry Gibb Is Now Almost 80 How He Lives Is Sad” delves into the life of Barry Gibb, the eldest and last surviving member of the legendary band the Bee Gees, highlighting personal tragedies and experiences throughout his nearly 80 years.
The video begins by framing Barry Gibb as a gifted artist who faced solitude as his brothers passed away, emphasizing the anguish of loss and personal tragedies he endured.
One of the earliest traumatic experiences discussed is a childhood incident from 2017 when Barry Gibb revealed in an interview that at the age of four, he had a harrowing encounter with an attempted child molester. While the man did not physically touch him, other concerning things occurred, and the man also victimized other children. Even at such a young age, Barry had to give a statement to the police, an experience that left a lasting impact on him, though the specific two-year period around a severe scalding accident he had as a toddler is erased from his memory.
The video also touches on the personal life of his brother Robin Gibb, including his first marriage at 19 to Moren Bates, which ended in divorce, and his subsequent enduring marriage to Linda Gray, with whom he had five children and seven grandchildren. Robin’s friendship with Michael Jackson is also mentioned, noting Jackson’s visits to their Miami home and their shared time together before Jackson’s child molestation trial, a topic they never discussed. The video also recounts Robin’s purchase and subsequent fire destruction of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s former home, his being made a Freeman of the borough of Douglas on the Isle of Man in 2009, and his becoming a US citizen with his wife while retaining their UK citizenship.
The early life of Barry Gibb is detailed, from his birth on the Isle of Man to his family’s move to Australia. It mentions a severe accident at almost two years old involving a hot teapot, leading to a lengthy hospitalization and memory loss of that period. The family’s return to Manchester and the formation of Barry and his brothers’ early skiffle group, the Rattlesnakes, is also covered, as is their subsequent move to Australia and the eventual formation of the Bee Gees. Barry’s early songwriting success in Australia before the Bee Gees’ international fame is also highlighted.
The solo careers of Robin and Maurice Gibb after the initial Bee Gees breakup are briefly mentioned, as is Maurice’s sudden passing in January 2003. Barry Gibb’s musical activities after Maurice’s death are then detailed, including his work with Cliff Richard, his and Robin’s CBE awards in 2004, collaborations with his son Steve, participation in a charity single for the Indian Ocean tsunami victims, and his work as a producer with Barbra Streisand. His solo singles “Dr. Man” and “Underworld,” his involvement in advocating for extended copyright protection for sound recordings, and his single “Drown on the River” are also mentioned. Barry’s role as a mentor on “American Idol,” his performance at the Sound Relief concert for the Victorian bushfires with Olivia Newton-John, and his being granted Freeman of the borough of Douglas are also noted.
The video further covers Barry and Robin’s plans to record together again as the Bee Gees, Barry’s withdrawal from a Gorillaz album, his solo concerts in the US (including a memorable performance with Maurice’s daughter Samantha), and the tragic passing of Robin Gibb in May 2012, leaving Barry as the sole surviving Gibb brother.
The narrative then focuses on Barry’s reflections on the loss of his brothers, noting his regret that they weren’t always on good terms at the time of their deaths. Despite initial despondency, Barry returned to performing, including a notable appearance with Coldplay at the Glastonbury Festival in 2016, and released his first solo album in 30 years that same year. His later foray into country music collaborations with artists like Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, and Little Big Town is also discussed, showcasing his continued dedication to preserving the Bee Gees’ legacy through a country music lens.
The video concludes by prompting viewers to share their thoughts on the tragedies Barry Gibb has faced in his life.