MAURICE GIBB STUDIO
(May 12, 2004)
On May 12, 2004, Barry and Robin Gibb opened a recording studio at Oakwood High in Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Manchester, England) named in honour of Maurice Gibb. Below are some articles:
"Boogying back to the '70s" (Manchester Online)
THEY may be a generation too young to remember the discos of the '70s, but youngsters at Oakwood High School, Chorlton, proved they could still get down and boogie when Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb dropped in.
The pupils turned the clock back more than 30 years with a series of performances of Bee Gee hits including Night Fever, Words and Jive Talkin'.
And the brothers - who were at the school to open a recording studio bearing the name of their brother Maurice - were clearly impressed.
"The one thing I notice here is how talented everybody is," said Barry. "I think there are stars here and within the next 10 years I think we are going to see them.
"We are overwhelmed and very complimented. We thought you were fantastic and we are very flattered."
The school hopes that by naming the recording studio after Maurice Gibb it will inspire future generations of musicians, performers and writers. And that's a hope shared by Robin.
"We're very proud to be here and we hope there will be many years of successful young artists getting their start here," he said.
The school wrote to Barry and Robin last year to see what they thought about naming the studio after Maurice, following his death. Staff were stunned when the reply said they not only thought it was a good idea, but that they wanted to open it too.
Even yesterday, after Barry and Robin had looked around the state-of-the-art studio - pausing to look at Maurice's photo on the way in - headteacher Peter Kennedy was having difficulty believing it wasn't all a dream.
"It's hard to believe what is happening," said Mr Kennedy, after admitting to being a fan of the band for many years.
"I am standing in our theatre, just about to open the recording studio, and the Bee Gees are sitting in the front row. This is a dream . . . but it is actually happening."
'He finally got top billing' (South Manchester Reporter)
IT was a day of bitter-sweet memories for Bee Gees brothers Robin and Barry when they returned to Chorlton this week.
The pair flew over from their home in Miami to open a new recording studioat Oakwood High school - named in honour of brother Maurice who died suddenly during an operation last year.
And as Barry, 56, pressed a button to open the suite he made a touching tribute to Maurice.
"Here one's for you pal", he said, and turning to the guests at the ceremony, added: "He finally got top billing."
Later, following a performance by the youngsters of Bee Gees classics, Robin, 54, told the audience: "Today's a fantastic day and calling it after Maurice would have made him very proud."
After receiving honorary degrees from Manchester University the brothers made their way to the new multi-million pound Oakwood High on Nell Lane. The school has recently built a state-of-the-art recording studio. Teachers emailed the Bee Gees earlier this year to ask if they could name the facility in Maurice's honour.
Following a tour of the studio the pair were treated to a special performance from the youngsters including a rendition of Staying Alive, a
samba version of Jive Talking, a ballet to Words and a vocal arrangement of Too Much Heaven.
Barry said: "What I noticed is the talent. Within the next ten years I think a star will emerge for the pop industry."
"We're overwhelmed - it's such a nice a compliment for our music."
Robin added: "We're so proud to be here and we hope there'll be many years of success and successful young artists. I think these children have great careers ahead."
The trip brought back memories of their time growing up on Keppel Road where the three began practising the harmonies which would eventually turn them into world superstars.
Since the announcement that the Bee Gees would be in the area the school has been inundated with calls from fans eager to catch a glimpse of their idols.
A group of fans from Belgium are even travelling to Chorlton to visit the school. Their high-pitched disco hits may be among the most recognisable in the world. They went on to sell 110 million albums, had 19 No 1 hits and made the definitive disco record saturday Night Fever.
The Bee Gees Open the "Maurice Gibb Recording Studio" at Chorlton High School (Oakwood High School)
Robin and Barry Gibb visited Chorlton High School on Wednesday 12 May 2004 to officially open the school's new Recording Studio, named the "Maurice Gibb Recording Studio" in memory of their brother Maurice Gibb, the third member of the Bee Gees, who died last year.
After a tour of the schools Music Department, and brand new recording studio, Robin and Barry entered the packed BlueBox Theatre and enjoyed a musical extravaganza of BeeGee's hits, performed by students of Chorlton High. They were visibly moved by the performance, and also commented that there was some future stars at the school!
They then went on to officially opened the new Recording Studio school by unveiling a giant "virtual" plaque. The opening was witnessed by Staff, Students, Governors, visitors, fans, as well as the local and national Media.
