Introduction:
Robin Gibb on Solo Work, Legacy, and the State of Music
Why a solo album now?
Robin explains that after years of working intensely with his brothers as the Bee Gees, the opportunity simply hadn’t presented itself until early 2003. In April of that year, he woke up and thought, “Now’s the time.”
Working with new producers and outside material
Known for writing almost all his own music with the Bee Gees, Robin stepped into unfamiliar territory by collaborating with new producers like Deacon from L.A. and Michael Graves in London. These producers sent him tracks they’d written, and Robin saw an opportunity to spotlight emerging songwriters by recording their work—a way to champion new talent.
Adapting others’ material
While used to hearing others reinterpret Bee Gees songs, it was a new experience for Robin to be on the other side—interpreting someone else’s lyrics and melodies. Despite creative tensions (e.g., the writers imagining one version and Robin delivering another), he embraced the challenge.
Musical style and influences
Although the album carries a more contemporary sound—with rap influences and hip-hop production elements—it remains rooted in the soul and R&B that has always influenced the Bee Gees. Songs like the lead single “Please” blend classic torch-song emotion with modern textures.
Revisiting older songs
Robin re-recorded two older tracks:
-
“Wish You Were Here”—originally a Bee Gees tribute to Andy Gibb—recast in a more personal way.
-
“Another Lonely Night in New York”—transformed from a ballad into a dance track.
On comparisons to the Bee Gees
He’s comfortable with listeners recognizing the Bee Gees sound in his solo work. “I’m proud of being a Bee Gee,” he says, comparing it to Stevie Nicks’ solo work echoing Fleetwood Mac.
Thoughts on today’s music industry
Robin is critical of the modern UK music scene, pointing out its reliance on covers and lack of original songwriting. He laments the shift from nurturing talent to a beauty contest model, where image often overshadows artistry.
“We’ve got to get back to original songwriting… We ruled the U.S. charts once—now most new British acts can’t crack the U.S. at all.”
He stresses the need for record labels to take risks again and invest in career development, not just quick fame.
On celebrity culture
Robin sees today’s “cult of celebrity” as a threat to authenticity in music. He believes many artists are losing touch with who they really are.
Why the Bee Gees endured
Their survival, he says, is due to songwriting. Being self-sufficient artists who didn’t rely on outside material gave them long-term strength. “Without the song, you have nothing.”
His lifestyle
Robin describes himself as private and not into sports. He follows a macrobiotic vegetarian diet, reads extensively, and starts each day with 100 push-ups.
Looking ahead
In addition to promoting his solo album, a new Bee Gees project is also on the horizon. He plans to tour and continue creating. For Robin, music is not about resting on laurels. “A painter keeps painting,” he says. “I paint with sound.”
