## Barry Gibb’s “Mythology” Tour: A Triumphant Celebration of the Bee Gees’ Enduring Legacy
Boston, MA – Barry Gibb had just concluded his third song of the night, the Bee Gees classic “Lonely Days,” when the ecstatic crowd at the TD Garden erupted into a seemingly endless chant of “Barry Barry.” The extended standing ovation brought Gibb to tears, a moment that intensified the already palpable emotion in the arena. As fans witnessed his tears streaming down his face on the Jumbotron, the roar of the crowd swelled even louder. “It’s just emotion that took us all over,” Gibb later conveyed.
Indeed, love and raw emotion permeated the Garden on Thursday night as Gibb kicked off his “Mythology” tour, a heartfelt celebration of the glorious music he created with his late brothers. The tragic passing of Maurice in 2003, Robin in 2012, and their youngest brother Andy in 1988 at just 30 years old, meant Barry was the sole Gibb brother on stage. Yet, this was far from a night of sadness; it was a vibrant testament to a family whose musical journey, spanning from Australia to Britain and America, yielded some of pop music’s most enduring hits and ultimately led to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The night was also alive with dancing, particularly to the timeless disco anthems the Gibb brothers crafted for “Saturday Night Fever.” Gibb and his stellar seven-piece band, bolstered by three talented female vocalists providing the iconic harmonies originally sung by Maurice and Robin, ignited the audience from the start with “Jive Talkin’” and “You Should Be Dancing.” Gibb’s signature falsetto was in impeccable form, showcased impressively with a long, sustained note at the climax of “Stayin’ Alive.” The only time he strayed from his vocal precision was during a surprise cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire”—a reciprocal gesture after Springsteen had covered “Stayin’ Alive” during an Australian show.
For over two hours, Gibb and his crew captivated fans with a remarkable 33-song set, touching on every stage of the Bee Gees’ illustrious career. The pop hits from the ’60s and ’70s garnered the loudest cheers, and for good reason: “To Love Somebody,” “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” and “New York Mining Disaster 1941” remain terrific songs that continue to dazzle. The thunderous ovation after each of these classics once again brought tears to Gibb’s eyes. Early gems like “Spicks and Specks” exuded a catchy “Shindig”/Herman’s Hermits feel, while the lesser-known “In the Morning” emerged as a highlight, beginning with just Gibb on acoustic guitar and evolving into a Moody Blues-esque slow-burner.
Romantic ballads like “How Deep is Your Love?” and “Run to Me” prompted couples to embrace and steal kisses. The disco mainstays “Nights on Broadway,” “Night Fever,” and “More Than a Woman” spurred even more enthusiastic dancing.
The concert also showcased classic duets and Gibb-penned songs made famous by other artists. Maurice’s daughter, Sami Gibb, a featured vocalist throughout the night, delivered a powerful rendition of “Chain Reaction,” a hit for Diana Ross. Beth Cohen joined the stage for covers of the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton smash “Islands in the Stream” and Barbra Streisand’s iconic “Guilty” and “Woman in Love.” Kudos also went to the sound designers, ensuring every lyric was crystal clear. Gibb himself proved to be a hardy performer, remaining on stage for the entire, extensive concert.
The “we-are-family” vibe permeated the entire show. Barry’s son, Stephen Gibb, contributed on guitar and vocals, while Maurice’s daughter, Sami, displayed genuine talent as a featured vocalist, particularly during a beautiful rendition of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?”. The song “(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” was dedicated to the memory of Andy Gibb.
Adding to the emotional resonance were old home movies and videos of the brothers playfully clowning around, reliving joyful times. The show even began with a whimsical, Python/Bonzo-like music video for the song “Technicolor Dreams.” Perhaps the most poignant moment came with vintage film footage of Robin Gibb singing “I Started a Joke,” a performance that moved the entire audience to tears once again. Barry openly wept, and many in the crowd sobbed alongside him. Yet, these were tears of joy, of cherished memories vividly brought to life by the timeless soundtrack of the Bee Gees.
With this special tour visiting only six cities, Boston was indeed blessed to be included in this unforgettable celebration of the Bee Gees’ extraordinary legacy.
