Introduction:
In a heartfelt CBS tribute to the Bee Gees, pop star Demi Lovato took the stage to honor the legendary group. Barry Gibb, the last surviving member, reflected on the group’s legacy and his journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery.
Now in his 70s, Barry Gibb approaches aging with humility and humor. “There comes a time when young women look at you—but they’re really looking over your shoulder at someone younger,” he quipped. For someone once hailed as a global sex symbol, he laughs, “I’m still waiting to experience that.”
Together with his brothers Robin and Maurice, Barry helped create over 40 Top 40 hits across four decades. From early pop ballads to disco anthems that defined an era, their influence remains undeniable. “What this tribute means to me,” Barry shared, “is the reminder of how much laughter we had, how many beautiful songs we wrote—and hearing others perform them now is incredibly touching.”
The group’s biggest breakthrough came with Saturday Night Fever, the 1977 film that made John Travolta a household name. Its soundtrack, dominated by Bee Gees hits, topped charts for six months and sold over 40 million copies, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
But behind the glittering success, personal tragedy cast a long shadow. In 1988, their youngest brother Andy passed away due to drug-related causes. Maurice died suddenly in 2003, and Robin lost his battle with cancer in 2012. “Losing them all… there were times I didn’t know if I wanted to go on,” Barry admitted.
Still, in 2014, he stepped back onto the stage for his first solo tour. “It was bittersweet,” he said. “But I love performing. I love seeing how people connect to the songs. It’s what keeps me going.”
Finding peace meant confronting unresolved emotions. “It took a decade,” he revealed. “I had to let go of old conflicts, especially the sibling rivalry. Forgiveness was something I had to find on my own.”
He still feels connected to his brothers. “I talk to them—sometimes on stage. It’s strange, but I hear their voices even more clearly now.”
Now, Barry focuses on simply being present. “That’s what matters—just enjoying life,” he smiled. “As long as it’s after 11 a.m., I’m not seizing anything until then.”