Official Bee Gees Fan Club – GSI

Robin John Gibb writes on Facebook in answer to many questions…..
about the ‘raw’ and special version Too Much Heaven by his father Robin Gibb and Paul McCartney.
RJ.:
“I’d like to say to everyone that I can indeed clarify for you, right now, that it’s an absolute fact, beyond a shred nor a shadow of doubt, that my father recorded an amazing, “raw” & heartfelt commemorative version of ‘Too Much Heaven’ with Mr. McCartney, in memory of his beloved twin brother Maurice. It was to debut live, at a very much planned and anticipated free Memorial Concert for Maurice Gibb in Hyde Park akin to the free memorial concert ‘Stones In The Park’ which was (of course the memorial concert thrown for Brian Jones when he was tragically passed away on the eve of the show, was a gig initially intended for Mick Taylor’s intro into the Stones as their new guitarist. However, Brian Jones was murdered just two days previously and the concert then dedicated to him by his band accordingly.

Unfortunately, & much to my father’s heartbreak, Mo’s concert was never to be. I know all of this well because I was there as part of the production team. It was all very sudden, I saw Paul at a get-together thrown by our good friend Lisa Voice, at her home in London. Paul was very keen to pay his respects to my Uncle Maurice with a song by the Bee Gees which he not only enjoyed singing, but which he deemed lyrically appropriate for the occasion, in content, and one which easily matched his vocal style and range. So from initial concept, to demo, it all felt rather sudden and hurried at that time. You see, before I knew it, we were at Paul’s studio with his production guys (whom I’m not at liberty to divulge at present). My father spent a great deal of time, between recording, when we were down there, talking to Paul about the good old days (anecdotal happenings and goings on at both Stigwood and Epstein’s offices, etc.) and Paul showcasing to my father his guitar collection, including ones he’d used to write certain songs.

There were also various collector’s items, such as instruments (bass violins, guitars, drum-sets, etc) and other pieces, from Elvis’ band as well as from other 1950’s rockabilly stars. He also showed us old oscillators & first generation synthesisers.
(very cool!)
The precursors of all modern keyboards, such as beautiful synthesisers by Moog, & others by Hammond (there was also an Odyssey, I believe, but don’t quote me on that) and other such instruments and sentimental objects, all in wonderfully kept condition. As far as this topic is concerned, I for one would just LOVE to resurrect the ‘Too Much Heaven’ version in question and release it for all to hear. As aforementioned to my good friend Ricardo Calderon and my other friends featured on his podcast, I just need to contact Paul and flesh out a plan-of-action with him in this regard. Given my upcoming tour perhaps we can, hopefully, figure something out. If not in time for the tour then certainly in the not-too-distant future.
Love & warm regards to you all,
Sincerely
Robin J. Gibb xx

PS.
It would, of course, be such perfect timing, especially given the fact that the hugely anticipated Bee Gees biopic film (Graham King’s second instalment after his release of the most successful movie known to man, Bohemian Rhapsody) is in the making, with Amblin (Spielberg), Paramount, and Kenneth Branagh at the helm as the film’s Director. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I wish you a weekend to remember.
Cheers, Ciao, …Outski”
GSI will keep you updated of course

In Defence of the Bee Gees
Article: https://25yearslatersite.com

Marion: GSI 11/27/21