The Unfinished Maurice Gibb Tribute Project: Why It Never Saw the Light of Day
In 2003, just months after Maurice Gibb’s sudden passing, Robin Gibb began pursuing a deeply personal idea: a star-studded tribute album to honor his late brother. For Robin, it wasn’t only about Maurice’s life — it was about celebrating the Bee Gees’ music through the voices of artists they admired. He envisioned himself and Barry joining forces with major names like Babyface, Sheryl Crow, and Jagged Edge to reinterpret Bee Gees classics in a way that was both fresh and heartfelt.
From the very beginning, Robin’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. He spoke with pride about having Babyface on board, calling him one of the greatest producers in the world. Jagged Edge were already rehearsing “How Deep Is Your Love,” their harmonies weaving seamlessly with Robin’s. Sheryl Crow and others had stepped forward, eager to take part. For Robin, these sessions were more than music — they were healing, a way to keep Maurice’s presence alive while moving forward.
But beneath the excitement, tensions lingered. Robin and Barry processed the loss of Maurice in very different ways. Robin’s instinct was to celebrate, to grab hold of life’s fleeting moments and honor his brother with joy. Barry, however, felt the opposite. Though he initially gave his blessing, Barry soon withdrew, telling Babyface directly that he could not continue without Maurice. For Barry, carrying on as the Bee Gees in any form seemed impossible.
That moment was devastating. Robin, who had been so full of anticipation, chose not to oppose Barry. Out of loyalty and unity, he stepped back too. One night, as collaborators waited in the studio for Robin to arrive, the call came from Barry that effectively ended the project. Robin never walked through the door, and the work that had begun — promising, emotional, and filled with star talent — simply stopped.
For those who had been close to the project, the disappointment was heavy. A television companion piece that Robin had been developing also lost momentum. Over time, the idea faded quietly into memory, living on only in the fragments of sessions and the stories of those who were there.
Looking back, the unfinished Maurice Gibb tribute album reflects the complicated grief of two brothers who had already shared a lifetime of music and loss. Robin sought to heal through creation, while Barry could not imagine continuing without the trio complete. Neither approach was wrong — both spoke to the deep bond they had with Maurice.
Robin’s excitement, his smile in those rare behind-the-scenes moments, remains a reminder of what might have been. Even unfinished, the project revealed the love and respect that artists across genres held for the Bee Gees’ work, and the unbreakable ties of family that, even in disagreement, defined the brothers’ legacy.
For those who were there, it was bittersweet: a glimpse of history that could have been, and a testament to Robin’s unwavering love for both music and his brothers.