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Back in August of 1989, I had the good fortune of meeting Barry, Robin,
and Maurice - not once - but twice, on their "One For All" tour.
During this time in my life, I was working for a small record chain in
Rockville, Maryland. Because I had contacts with the record label reps, I
was able to secure a backstage pass to their concert at Merriweather Post
Pavillion in Columbia, MD.
Craig with the Bee Gees
When I arrived at the venue, I was taken to the area where other lucky
fans with passes were waiting to meet the guys. The "backstage"
in this case was actually an outdoor porch (as you can see in the
pictures) in the rear of the pavillion where crew members, roadies, and
family were hanging out and/or eating. I had with me the album
"One" (yes, the vinyl version!) which they were promoting on
this tour. I first encountered Barry who, although a bit tired from all
the meeting and greeting, was nice enough to autograph my lp and engage in
conversation. I told him I had been a fan since the early 70's, and I also
asked him about some of the more obscure songs from their catalogue.
Craig with Barry
He was very generous and patient. I mentioned the song "Dearest"
and how much it had meant to me, and he said they had written that for a
film which apparently never saw the light of day. Next, I met Robin and
Maurice who were also very friendly. Again, I spoke to them about many
songs including Maurice's "You Know It's For You". He had to
think for a minute, and I actually sang a little bit of it to him before
it sparked his memory! Robin was also very easy to talk to, and we spoke
about his solo albums in addition other things.
Craig with Maurice
All of this took place before their concert, so when it was time, I left
to walk back to the arena. On my way out I saw their father, Hugh, to whom
I spoke. I congratulated him on his sons' success, and he was very
gracious. (Their show, by the way, was great!)
Craig with Robin
The following week, the guys played Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Their rep from Warner Bros. (whose name was Mark - I don't remember his
last name) was kind enough to get me in to a special post-show party that
was held in the same Radio City ballroom whose stairs can be seen in the
gatefold of the "Living Eyes" album.
Craig with Maurice
Once again, I met Barry,
Robin, and Maurice, and also their guitarist Alan Kendall who was quite
amusing! I mentioned to Barry one of my favorite songs, "Kilburn
Towers", and he started singing the first verse to me to verify the
song. It was surreal! Later, Maurice and I were chatting when I mentioned
his song "Touch and Understand Love". He, too, began singing the
chorus as a way of remembering. I also talked to Robin's son, Spencer, who
told me about his musical endeavors at that time.
Robin and his son Spencer
There is not enough space here to comment on the other wonderful
conversations I had with the Gibbs that night, as well as with other fans.
But I will say that meeting them was an experience of which I had dreamt
ever since first hearing their music while growing up in Greensboro, North
Carolina in the seventies. I hope I get the opportunity to shake hands and
share a tune or two with them again in the near future!
Craig with Robin
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