Post by yerblues1968 on Jan 5, 2009 0:08:17 GMT -5
REDCLIFFE REFUSES TO HOST TRIBUTE TO BEE GEES BARRY AND ROBIN GIBB
perthnow
By Ken Lord
January 04, 2009 01:05am
SURVIVING Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb will make a sentimental journey to Redcliffe - the seeding ground of their worldwide success - in March or April.
But plans to celebrate their 50-year career back on the peninsula just north of Brisbane, where they were launched on the path to international stardom, have been snubbed by Queensland authorities.
Instead, the Gibb brothers will be honoured with a special tribute event in Sydney.
Half a century ago the Gibb boys arrived at bayside Cribb Island, now part of the expanded Brisbane airport, after migrating from the UK with their family. The family later settled on the Redcliffe peninsula.
Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb recorded their first track in the Channel 7 studios on Mt Coot-tha.
As the Bee Gees gained international popularity, they returned to the UK, before eventually settling in the US.
The band's name was retired after Maurice, who was Robin's twin, died aged 53 in 2003.
Barry, 62, and Robin, 59, are planning their nostalgic return to Redcliffe and Brisbane to shoot footage for a US video documentary on how they conquered the world.
They will then travel to Sydney where they will be handed the keys to the city and honoured at a star-studded tribute. A Redcliffe tribute proposed by peninsula identity Richard Lancaster was not picked up by North Moreton Regional Council or the State Government.
The Queensland snub has reportedly disappointed the legendary stars, according to US industry sources.
Robin has recently been touring Europe as a solo performer but there are still no plans to resurrect the Bee Gees banner.
www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24869751-949,00.html