Introduction:
On October 22, 2023, listeners of BBC Radio 2 were treated to an intimate and moving conversation with Dwina Gibb, the widow of legendary Bee Gees member Robin Gibb. Hosted by the esteemed Paul Gambaccini, the broadcast offered a rare glimpse into Dwina’s life with Robin, the legacy of the Bee Gees, and her ongoing efforts to preserve and share his story.
Dwina Gibb, an accomplished writer, artist, poet, and film producer, met Robin in 1980. They remained married for nearly 30 years until Robin’s untimely death in 2012 at the age of 62. Over the years, Dwina has become a guardian of Robin’s legacy—not only as his life partner but as a dedicated chronicler of his voice, memories, and music. During the interview, she revealed that she has been working tirelessly on a posthumous autobiography based on extensive interviews she conducted with Robin. These tapes, recorded over many years, offer never-before-heard insights into his life, humor, and artistry.
One of the most poignant moments of the broadcast came as Dwina recalled the power of Robin’s voice—how he would often play music late into the night, filling their home with what she described as “the sound of an angel.” It’s this sense of reverence and deep affection that underscores her dedication to completing the autobiography, a project that has taken her over a decade to revisit since his passing.
Throughout the interview, Dwina’s anecdotes painted a vivid picture of Robin’s personality—his sense of humor, generosity, and musical genius. From tales of their time in Miami, where fans would follow Robin on bicycle rides, to the childhood stories of the Gibb brothers busking in Manchester, each memory added another layer to the portrait of a man who lived and breathed music.
The Bee Gees’ journey from their early days as child performers to international stardom is well-known, but Dwina’s reflections offered fresh emotional depth. She spoke about Robin’s pivotal role in the Bee Gees’ sound—particularly in their early hits from the 1960s—and how the band later evolved with the unmistakable falsetto of Barry Gibb in the disco era.
When asked about her favorite Bee Gees song, Dwina chose “Stayin’ Alive,” a track whose rhythm has even been used in CPR training due to its life-saving tempo. “It’s just fantastic music,” she said, fondly recalling the first time she heard it while studying ballroom dance.
As the interview concluded with the poignant “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” listeners were reminded of the enduring emotional impact of Robin Gibb’s music. Dwina’s appearance at the sold-out Players Theatre in Thame that evening offered fans an opportunity to celebrate Robin’s life and work in a uniquely personal way—an evening that was also live-streamed for fans around the world.
With her forthcoming book, Dwina Gibb ensures that Robin’s voice—both literal and metaphorical—will continue to resonate with old fans and new generations alike. Through her stories, Robin Gibb is not just remembered—he is vividly, lovingly brought back to life.