The Bee Gees’ Rare Family Appearance on Cilla Black’s Christmas Special
In a rare and touching moment, Bee Gees brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb appeared alongside their wives and children on Cilla Black’s Christmas TV special—offering a rare glimpse into the private lives of the famously reserved music icons.
Though often regarded as sex symbols throughout their careers—Barry Gibb especially—the 1983 footage reveals a more grounded side of the trio: devoted husbands and loving fathers.
The appearance took place on Cilla Black’s Christmas, a one-off holiday special produced by LWT, where the Gibb brothers surprised audiences by inviting their families onstage for a heartfelt performance of Silent Night.
What made the occasion even more special was that, at the time, the Bee Gees weren’t working together musically. In 1983, the brothers were focused on solo projects, including Barry and Maurice’s collaboration on Kenny Rogers’ album Eyes That See in the Dark.
Barry Gibb and his wife Linda (née Gray) have now been married for over fifty years, having first met in 1967 on the set of Top of the Pops before tying the knot in 1970.
Before marrying Linda Gray, Barry Gibb was previously married to Maureen Bates. The couple wed in 1966 when Barry was just 19 years old, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1970. That same year, Barry married Linda Gray, who had recently been crowned Miss Edinburgh at the age of 17.
Together, Barry and Linda have five children—Stephen (born 1973), Ashley (1977), Travis (1981), Michael (1984), and Alexandra (1991)—as well as seven grandchildren. The couple splits their time between their homes in Miami and England.
In an industry where long-lasting marriages are rare, Barry and Linda’s enduring 50-year union stands out as a remarkable exception. Reflecting on their life together, Barry once told the Roxborough Report in 2012: “Linda, along with me, has seen everything you can see if you’re a pop group on the rise. She never missed anything, and that’s something to take great comfort from.”
Reflecting on their partnership, Barry Gibb praised Linda as his “tower of strength,” noting that “we can talk about any single moment in our lives—and what happened to the group—because she was there.” He added with a smile that she’s always by his side, ready either to pat him on the head or deliver “a kick up the ass” when he needs it most.
Barry Gibb has often credited his wife, Linda, as a guiding force in both his personal life and career, expressing deep gratitude for her unwavering support and influence. Unlike his brothers—Maurice, who struggled with alcoholism, and Andy, who tragically died of a drug overdose at just 30—Barry believes Linda helped steer him away from a similar path.
“My brothers had to deal with their demons, but I was married to a lady who wasn’t going to have it,” he told The Guardian in 2020.
“I could bring drugs into the house, but they would end up down the toilet. She never allowed me to go in that direction. I had to deal with my brothers being pretty much out there, but I was lucky.”
Barry has also spoken candidly about the strength of their marriage, emphasizing the mutual commitment they’ve upheld over the decades. Despite the many temptations that come with fame, he has remained faithful to Linda throughout their 50-year union—something he says both of them have consciously chosen to honor.
“I do remember [Australian tennis star] Evonne Goolagong trying to get me to go out with her about 25 years ago. She even asked if she could come over!” Barry recalled in a 2016 interview with The New York Post, laughing. He added that Linda had faced her own share of attention as well.
“One time, we were at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, and Steve McQueen actually tried to whisk Linda away on the back of his motorbike! She’s a very beautiful woman and had just as many opportunities as I did,” he said, highlighting the mutual temptations they both resisted.
While Barry’s 50-year marriage to Linda is certainly exceptional, the other Gibb brothers also experienced brief marriages followed by long-lasting and happy partnerships.
Maurice Gibb was married to singer Lulu for four years, from 1969 until their separation. In October 1975, he married his second wife, Yvonne Spenceley Gibb. Together, they had two children: Adam (born 1976) and Samantha (born 1980), and remained together until Maurice’s passing.
However, Maurice’s struggles with alcohol became increasingly severe, culminating in a 1991 incident during a month-long binge when he threatened his wife and children with a gun.
Following the incident, Maurice’s wife and children left him and sought refuge at brother Barry’s home, refusing to return until Maurice committed to getting sober once and for all.
Maurice entered rehab and, after a period of recovery, was able to reunite with his family. In a powerful testament to their renewed commitment, he and Yvonne renewed their wedding vows in 1992, surrounded by family and many friends he had met during rehabilitation.
Maurice maintained his sobriety from that point until his passing in 2003.
Robin Gibb married for the first time in 1968 to Molly Hullis, a secretary at Robert Stigwood’s company. The couple had two children: Spencer (born 1972) and Melissa (born 1974). After years of living apart, Molly and Robin divorced in 1980.
In 1985, Robin married his second wife, Dwina Murphy, an author and artist. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2012. Together, they had a son, Robin-John (known as RJ, born 1983), who recently expressed his hope that Rami Malek will portray his father in an upcoming Bee Gees biopic.