Bee Gees: Children of the World

‘The Definitive Biography’ – PETE PAPHIDES

The world is full of Bee Gees fans. Yet, for a band of such renown, little is known about Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb.

Weren’t two of them twins? Didn’t one of them marry Lulu? Where does Andy fit into the Gibb family tree? And why did they storm out of that Clive Anderson interview?

People tend to have their favourite era of the Bee Gees’ career, but many listeners are also conscious that there is more to uncover about the band. This book will provide the perfect route in, pulling together every fascinating strand to tell the story of a group with the imagination of the Beatles, the pop craft of ABBA, the drama of Fleetwood Mac and the emotional heft of the Beach Boys.

Uniquely, the Bee Gees’ tale spans the entire modern pop era – they are the only group to have scored British top-ten singles in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s – and includes world-conquering disco successes like ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘More Than a Woman’, both from the soundtrack of hit film Saturday Night Fever.

But the Bee Gees’ extraordinary career was one of highs and lows. From a vicious but temporary split in 1969 to several unreleased albums, disastrous TV and film appearances, and a demoralising cabaret season, the group weren’t always revelling in the glow of million-selling albums, private jets and UNICEF concerts. Yet, even in the Gibbs’ darkest times, their music was rarely out of the charts, as sung by the likes of Al Green, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and Destiny’s Child.

Capturing the human story at the heart of the Bee Gees, this book will be a lyrical and stylish read, delighting hardcore fans with its details while engaging casual pop readers who simply want to know more about this important and enigmatic group.