May 1, 2016

As we begin the month of May, we remember Robin Gibb and dedicate this month to stories related to him. This first one is an oldie from a long-time fan who loved Robin as a girl and stayed a fan for decades. We all know exactly how she feels!

Kathy

New York–2001

As a teen, the Bee Gees were a huge part of my life. It was 1976 when I heard their music for the first time. My cousin Josie had their new album, Main Course, and we listened to it for the first time one afternoon when our families got together for Sunday dinner.

I was 13 and she was 14, and after dinner while our parents sat around the dining room table talking, we’d go up to her bedroom and talk about our boy crushes and make-up and the Bee Gees. I was mad for Robin Gibb. Josie couldn’t understand that, since she was obsessed with Barry and planned to steal him from Linda one day and marry him.

I think when I heard Robin sing the beginning of “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart”, I was in love with him. You know, that part “When I think of younger days” at the beginning. I’d never heard a voice like that before. It was so sad and beautiful. My other favorite song of his was “Run to Me”. Most people mention “I Started a Joke” but my teenage hormone mind kept thinking of love songs and losing at love.

At the time I was in love with a boy who was a sophomore in high school and he had a girlfriend he was crazy about. I used to cry over him, and I’d play my sad Bee Gee songs and listen to Robin Gibb’s voice. I feel that it always soothed me; it is calming.

As the years went by, Robin still wasn’t the handsome one, and he was skinny and had an unusual face, but that didn’t matter to me one bit. I followed him and bought his solo albums and was a true fan. Josie and I would watch the Bee Gees whenever they did any kind of interviews, especially during the Spirits Having Flown tour. We’d get all excited like 5 year-olds. Robin always had something sarcastic to say, but he was so incredibly smart about everything. His wit captured my attention, and I loved him even more.

Josie got me the Robin Gibb lunchbox as a Christmas present (really as a joke) but I kept it on the shelf in my bedroom and cherish it. It’s one of my prized possessions, along with my albums. I was really obsessed.

I think he’s a genius and has gotten better and better over the years. There is no voice in the world like Robin’s voice. It is instantly recognizable because it’s so emotional and unique. Even now, whenever I have a rough day, I listen to him sing to me.

When I think back, I realize I was born at the perfect time because the music was so inspiring and fun and Robin made everything all right, no matter what I was dealing with in school or with boyfriends or family. There’s always the Bee Gees and especially Robin Gibb’s special sound. He is the best; and in my mind, no one compares to him.