Introduction:
In the heart of Oxfordshire, at the Players Theatre in Thame, a special evening unfolds—a rare and intimate public appearance by Dwina Gibb, the widow of the legendary Bee Gees member Robin Gibb. Married to Robin for nearly 30 years, Dwina is more than just the guardian of his legacy. She is a writer, artist, historian, poet, and film producer, now dedicating her time to preserving and sharing Robin’s remarkable life through a deeply personal book.
The evening promises a heartfelt conversation between Dwina and veteran broadcaster Paul Gambaccini, who, with his encyclopedic knowledge of music history, is the perfect companion for this nostalgic journey. Together, they will revisit Robin’s extraordinary career, his humor, his humanity, and the timeless music that continues to touch millions around the world.
For Dwina, Bee Gees songs are not just hits—they are living memories. One of her favorites is the iconic “Stayin’ Alive.” She recalls, with a warm laugh, how she was once practicing ballroom dancing when the studio was suddenly taken over by Saturday Night Fever enthusiasts. “I was a bit miffed,” she admits, “but then I fell in love with the music. It was electric.” Few know that the track’s rhythm has even been used in CPR training—its beat famously in sync with the pace needed to revive a heartbeat.
Robin’s career was a story of evolution. In the 1960s, his angelic voice carried many of the Bee Gees’ biggest hits. By the 1970s, working with producer Arif Mardin, the group reinvented their sound, blending Barry Gibb’s soaring falsetto with Robin’s soulful presence. Songs like “Tragedy” and “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” became timeless anthems, carrying their music into new generations.
But beyond the stage lights and studio sessions, Robin was a man with a gentle heart and a mischievous sense of humor. Dwina fondly recalls the night he was stopped by a young police officer while cycling near their Miami home. Wearing shorts, a cap, and glasses, Robin didn’t exactly look like an international superstar. The rookie officer had no idea who he was—“He thought Robin was casing the neighborhood,” Dwina laughs.
She also remembers childhood stories that reveal the Bee Gees’ early spirit—like the time Robin and his brothers “borrowed” a funeral wreath for Mother’s Day, simply wanting to give their mom something special. It’s these little glimpses into his character that make her upcoming book so unique. For years, Dwina has been carefully transcribing hours of interviews she recorded with Robin as he reflected on his life and career. Listening to those tapes was painful at first, but now she smiles through the tears: “He’s so funny in them. There’s so much of his humor, his warmth.”
Robin Gibb passed away in 2012 at the age of 62, but his legacy—both musical and personal—remains vivid. This evening isn’t just about looking back; it’s about celebrating a life that changed the sound of pop music. For those lucky enough to be in the audience, and for others tuning in via livestream, Dwina’s conversation offers something precious: a window into the soul of a man whose voice once filled arenas—and still fills hearts.
“When he sang at night,” Dwina whispers, “it was like hearing the voice of an angel.”
And for millions around the world, it still is.