September 17, 2017

Welcome to morobinbarrystories.com! Please join me on twitter @morobinbarry.This site is for Bee Gee fans everywhere who would like to read and share stories of fun, joy, love and inspiration for Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. (Andy is not forgotten and is included at times). If you’d like to share a story, please email it to me at morobinbarrystories@gmail.com. Stories will be posted at times and many will be in my book, which is thankfully in the process of formatting right now! At times, I will write about Gibb events that I hope the fans will enjoy.

THOUGHTS ON THE PAST FEW MONTHS….

Since Barry performed at Glastonbury, there hasn’t been much to look forward to, so fans go back to older concerts and many post memories from decades past. Indeed, the stories I hear are often from fans’ recollections of concerts in the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s or of encounters with the Gibbs on a more personal level. The bottom line is that music always inspires and supports the fans; and their love of the music keeps them going, no matter what is happening in their lives.

I notice that we become complacent and sometimes we worry, whine or complain about mundane things; and then a real tragedy strikes, and we realize how petty we have been. Returning to Syracuse University has been a blessing, but we all know the nightmare of moving 1500 miles and all that comes with that process. On top of this move, I have been working with an editor to get my book formatted. This process makes watching the Heinz ketchup drizzle out of the bottle onto the fries seem like a lightening bolt of time in comparison. My frustration is easily calmed when the music is turned on and one of the Gibb boys croons me a tune.

No matter what the mindset or struggles anyone is experiencing, we always love our Gibb boys and their music. We turn to it for solace. I do so on a daily basis. Sometimes I wonder about the impact of this music and how generations to come will also feel that calming effect when listening to Morning of My Life or First of May.

The recent events in Houston and Florida remind fans around the world that natural disasters can impact millions of lives and cause permanent destruction and heartache. Still, as I worry and pray for others who are less fortunate, I am playing Main Course as I drive to work. Somehow, this makes me feel better.

I spent the end of the summer moving back to New York from Florida, and I was lucky to be out of harm’s way when hurricane Irma hit the peninsula. We know that the Gibb family was able to evacuate, and fans are grateful that they are safe and healthy. However, I have many friends who are still without both power and water. My best friend, who is a third grade teacher in Naples, is one of these victims. Another colleague, who lives in the Keys, can’t go home because there is no home to return to and salvage.

I lived through Charley and had no power for 14 days when the temperatures were 90 plus degrees and the streets were blocked for weeks. The feeling of helplessness is indescribable.

I don’t think that people who live out of this region realize that even though the hurricane is over, the recovery and rebuilding process can actually be the worst part and take months or even years to complete. The unlucky ones never get over the emotional trauma of losing a home or being flooded out or trying to escape the wrath of nature with a 15-hour drive North to safety.

A few days before hurricane Irma hit Florida, I was heading to the airport to fly to Miami so that I could attend the Diabetes Research Institute Haute Tea event and report on it for the fans. This is the Gibbs’ charity, and I have become emotionally invested myself and am anxious to help in any way possible. Luckily, Lauren from the DRIF sent me a message the the event was being cancelled. Just a few hours later I might have been in Florida and certainly would have been unable to get back home. I dodged a bullet.

The first thing I did when I got home that day was play Still Waters. When I hear from fans that they are still comforted by Bee Gee music, I smile and sigh and thank Barry, Robin and Maurice. As for Barry, he’s larger than life for many fans, and yet he’s still a father and husband whose family and their safety and health matter to him more than anything.

As for Maurice and Robin, I’ve no doubt that they are working their magic to give comfort to those who need it. One only has to listen to For Whom the Bell Tolls or Wildflower to know that.

So, as we take action by volunteering, donating to the Red Cross or offering up our prayers for those victims of tragedy, we can still play the music for inspiration and support.

The bottom line is that Bee Gee music is unique and special. It will cheer us on the long road ahead, no matter what path we are walking. It always will be there.