June 14, 2013

This week’s story is typical of several I have received about Maurice Gibb. He touched people in a special way and the appreciation of his talents and generosity of spirit is known to all who loved him.

DAVE

Miami

I became a Bee Gee fan when I was really a young boy, and I followed their careers for 30 years. I related to Maurice Gibb the most. I was just drawn to him; and I’m not sure why, but he always stood out for me. Even though he hardly ever was the lead singer or the center of attention, I thought he was the coolest musician I ever saw. It became kind of ironic later on that I worshiped him as a kid. Later in my 20’s I was a drinker like him, went through many of the bad times I know he had experienced. I wasn’t a pop or rock star, but we had similarities. I was a guitar player and a father like Mo. I talked with him several times over the years at charity events and at the studio in Miami. He gave me strength to get help when I needed it most. I think what I admired about him was his determination to be a better guy for his wife and family. I could see that he loved his kids more than anything in the world. When I faced my worst challenges and made the decision to get the help I needed, it was Mo who inspired me. What made him so special was his kindness and his personality. He just loved people and genuinely wanted to reach out to the fans. It was a blast to watch him onstage, too, because his love of what he was playing and singing radiated into the audience. As a kid, I played my guitar and imagined being on stage with him. As a man, I was thrilled to have the real Maurice look me in the eye and talk with me. I felt like it was all about me when he spoke and not about him at all. I think of him all the time. I know he had a gift of knowing how to touch people, and I try to do the same and live by his example. He was just a gift in my life and all the fans’ lives and we all appreciate him and our memories of his amazing compassion.