September 13, 2015

After all the media attention given to the Bee Gee Way event in Australia September 11,  my heart was feeling bittersweet, although uplifted.  I kept thinking of Maurice and Robin and how thrilled they would be to receive this special honor. I could see them both in my mind’s eye, Robin much more low key but deeply touched and Maurice beaming with that great smile of his that seemed to come from the bottom of his toes. He has been on my mind so much lately (which happens often), and I pulled  a story from way back that sums up the way he touched people. Miss you, Mo……

Peter–NYC

2003

I’ll never forget where I was when I hard that Maurice Gibb had died. I was incarcerated, serving 18 months for my 3rd DUI in a year. I am a hereditary alcoholic.

My grandfather died from this disease at 35; my Dad died at 36. I am 41 and should have died a long time ago. Maurice Gibb was famous in my world of AA, known as one of us and not as a musician. We respected and admired him. His talent was amazing and his courage was more amazing.

When I finally got my head out of my butt, I was able to relate to his story, and I loved the guy for talking about what happened to him. I keep fighting this disease to this day, and the only music I play in my truck is the Bee Gees—sounds crazy—-but true. Maurice Gibb is always a part of my recovery process because he is an inspiration. The great thing is that he will continue to live on and be an inspiration to others because anyone fighting this disease can watch him playing his music and watch video about his journey to recovery.

Thank you, Maurice. I also want to thank Barry and Robin because I know how hard it is for families to deal with an alcoholic and his behavior. Barry and Robin and all of his family must have had some really hard times, but they made it through as brothers, and that takes patience and love.