Introduction:
In 1987, just a year before Andy Gibb’s untimely passing, he and his older brother Barry Gibb delivered a deeply moving performance on stage at the annual Love and Hope Ball in Miami. Together they sang the timeless classic “To Love Somebody” (originally released by the Bee Gees in 1967), creating a moment of raw, brotherly connection that has become an enduring memory for fans.
Their appearance at the event — held to support the Diabetes Research Institute — was especially meaningful. Barry and his wife Linda had become deeply involved with the charity after relocating to Miami in the 1970s, and in 1985 they were appointed International Chairmen of Love and Hope.
Although the Gibb family and the Bee Gees have supported the fundraiser for nearly four decades, that 1987 duet remains one of the most iconic highlights. On stage, Andy’s voice — rich with emotion — blended in perfect harmony with Barry’s, offering a striking testament to both their artistry and sibling bond.
Tragically, just one year later, Andy died of heart failure on March 10, 1988 at the age of 30, after years of substance-related health complications. Despite plans for a comeback through a record deal with Island Records and an official announcement that he would join the Bee Gees as their fourth member, the deal never materialised — his health, sadly, had already begun to fail.
In a 2009 interview with The Mirror, Barry and his brother Robin Gibb reflected on the heartbreak of losing Andy. “We’ve had as much tragedy as we’ve had success,” Barry said. “But of course, we’d give up all that success to have Andy and Maurice back.” Robin recalled a chilling conversation just three nights before Andy’s passing: “I said, ‘Andy, if you keep up what you’re doing, you will not see 47.’ ”
Barry also shared his recollection of Andy’s deteriorating health via his sporting outings: “We knew Andy was struggling, but we never imagined losing him so young,” he said. He remembered Andy’s face going red and his energy fading during their tennis matches — hints of a hidden heart condition they had yet to fully understand.
“Andy had a zest for life,” Barry continued. “He was a boy. We were very much alike. If Andy wanted to learn something, he simply did it — he even learned how to fly a plane and could barefoot water-ski. He had this fearless spirit.”
Just two days after celebrating his 30th birthday in London and working on new material, Andy was hospitalised in Oxford with chest pains and passed away shortly thereafter.
Today, Andy Gibb is laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) in Los Angeles. His headstone bears the inscription:
“Andy Gibb / March 5, 1958 – March 10, 1988 / An Everlasting Love.”
His duet with Barry remains more than a beautiful recording — it is a poignant celebration of brotherhood and shared dreams, frozen in time.