Robin-John Gibb Reflects on Bee Gees Legacy and His Personal Journey in Music
In a heartfelt and candid conversation with Smooth Radio, Robin-John Gibb — affectionately known as RJ — opened up about his family’s rich musical heritage, personal memories of his uncle Andy Gibb, and his own evolving career as a musician.
As the son of Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, RJ grew up immersed in music history. Sharing anecdotes from his upbringing, he revealed that some iconic songs were born in the most unexpected places. For instance, parts of Woman in Love were composed while his father was relaxing in a bathtub, jotting down notes before calling his brother Barry. RJ chuckled about walking into that same room years later, reflecting on the music history made within those walls.
RJ spoke warmly about his father and uncles’ profound influence on him. From an early age, he was introduced to the studio environment and various instruments — beginning with the violin before moving on to keyboards, guitar, and composition. He acknowledged that while carrying the Gibb name came with expectations, it also provided invaluable opportunities to learn from some of the best in the business.
Discussing his own creative work, RJ talked about his single Let It Be You, a deeply personal track inspired by experiences of love and loss. He explained that he deliberately left the song’s meaning open-ended, hoping it would resonate with anyone who had faced heartbreak or sought to rekindle hope.
RJ also revealed exciting plans for new music, including songs like Empty Cup, God Broke the Mold, and Sunshine City, the latter of which will feature a music video filmed in Miami. Beyond his solo material, RJ is curating unreleased tracks he recorded with his father, with plans to eventually compile them into a special album or series of EPs.
The conversation naturally turned to the enduring legacy of the Bee Gees. RJ fondly recalled family moments when song ideas would emerge spontaneously — whether around a dinner table, during travel, or in the hum of an aircraft engine, as with I Started a Joke. He emphasized the importance of preserving those personal, behind-the-scenes stories in upcoming biopics and projects about the Bee Gees.
When asked about his relationship with his late uncle Andy Gibb, RJ shared tender memories from his childhood. He recalled how Andy would watch Watership Down with him every night and sing Bright Eyes to him. Though RJ was only six at the time, he recognized even then that Andy was struggling emotionally. “I still miss the guy,” he admitted softly.
Looking ahead, RJ discussed his plans for a stage musical titled Another Lonely Night in New York, which will feature his father’s solo work from the How Old Are You and Secret Agent albums, set against an ’80s dance theme. He also teased future tours in the UK, US, Southeast Asia, and beyond, promising to perform both his own material and selected songs from the Bee Gees’ extensive catalog.
RJ concluded the interview by embracing the responsibility of keeping his family’s musical legacy alive, calling it a privilege rather than a burden. “What a lovely job to have,” he smiled.
With his genuine passion and deep-rooted connection to music history, Robin-John Gibb is ensuring that the Bee Gees’ timeless sound and stories continue to inspire generations to come.
