158-711: Robin Hugh Gibb CBE (22 December 1949 – 20 May 2012) was a British singer and songwriter. He gained worldwide fame as a member of the Bee Gees with elder brother Barry and twin brother Maurice . Robin Gibb also had his own successful solo career. Their youngest brother Andy was also a singer. Gibb was born at the Jane Crookall Maternity Home, Douglas on the Isle of Man , to English parents, Hugh and Barbara Gibb;
316-404: A blue plaque was placed on the house. In 2015, a headstone, engraved with some of the lyrics of his group's songs, including " How Deep Is Your Love ", was placed. Robin and his brother Barry had famously clashed personally and professionally for decades before his death, and that conflict lasted to the end. Nonetheless, Barry delivered a eulogy at his brother's funeral, saying: "Even right up to
474-817: A new wave / synthpop -influenced LP (reached No. 97 in the US, No. 31 in Germany and No. 20 in Switzerland). The album's lead and first single " Boys Do Fall in Love " reached the Billboard magazine top 40 list of hits, as well as reaching No. 70 in the UK, No. 7 in South Africa and No. 10 in Italy. Other singles such as the title track and " In Your Diary " did not repeat the success of the first single. Due to
632-454: A Joke ," on which Robin sang lead, was not released as a single in the UK but was the group's first US Top 10 hit. Gibb claimed that the melody of the song was inspired by the sounds he heard in a jet engine. In August, the band started to record Odessa . In January 1969, Gibb co-wrote another Marbles single, " The Walls Fell Down ," and co-produced the sessions that same month. However, the rivalry with Barry eventually prompted Robin to leave
790-519: A London choir. This album featured a new song by Gibb called "Mother of Love", which was released in Europe as a download single. The song was inspired by Maurice and was Gibb's first new composition since Maurice died. Gibb donated all royalties from "Mother of Love" to the Janki Foundation for Global Healthcare , and dedicated the song to Dadi Janki , the organisation's spiritual leader. Gibb dedicated
948-548: A London hospital on 20 May 2012, at the age of 62. While it was initially reported that he died from cancer, Robin-John Gibb said that his father's cancer had gone into remission by the time of his death and the cause was kidney failure. His funeral was held on 8 June 2012 and he was buried at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, near his home in Thame , Oxfordshire. In September of the same year,
1106-502: A Message to You " with British Army men The Soldiers for a charity single in the UK, it was produced with his son Robin John Gibb and the video for which was produced by Vintage TV . Gibb was the subject of an edition of the BBC genealogy documentary series Who Do You Think You Are? first broadcast on 21 September 2011. On 30 January 2012, Gibb announced his intention to appear onstage at
1264-404: A broad riband or sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip. Knights Commander and male Commanders wear the badge from a ribbon around the neck; male Officers and Members wear the badge from a ribbon on the left chest; female recipients other than Dames Grand Cross (unless in military uniform) normally wear it from a bow on the left shoulder. An oval eight-pointed star is worn, pinned to
1422-449: A circlet bearing the motto of the Order; the reverse bears George V's Royal and Imperial Cypher. (Prior to 1937 Britannia was shown within the circlet.) The size of the badges varies according to rank: the higher classes have slightly larger badges. The badges of Knights and Dames Grand Cross, Knights and Dames Commander, and Commanders are enamelled, with pale blue crosses, crimson circlets and
1580-466: A citizen of a Commonwealth realm can convert their appointment from honorary to substantive, and they then enjoy all privileges of membership of the order, including use of the title of Sir and Dame for the senior two ranks of the Order. (An example of the latter is Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan , who was appointed an honorary Knight Commander of the Order in 2005, and on successful application for British citizenship, held alongside his Irish citizenship,
1738-527: A fraternity of people who sing pop and rock and Robin is another one of us who's gone too soon, too early." Ringo Starr told the BBC: "Robin will be remembered as a musician and as a singer and part of the Bee Gees." Dionne Warwick said: "He was wonderful. He was a jokester. He had an incredibly witty sense of humour and was fun to be around." Kenny Rogers recalled: "Robin was a part of something unique. Mostly, Robin
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#17328846016281896-443: A gold central medallion. Officers' badges are plain silver-gilt, while those of Members are plain silver. From 1917 until 1937, the badge of the order was suspended on a purple ribbon, with a red central stripe being added for the military division in 1918. Since 1937, the ribbon has been rose-pink with pearl-grey edges (with the addition of a pearl-grey central stripe for the military division). Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear it on
2054-436: A house on fire" with Blair and said that the then Labour prime minister, Gordon Brown , regularly listened to the Bee Gees. "He listens to our music every day. Gordon likes our music and I like Gordon", he told The Times . In a tribute upon his death, longtime friend Tony Blair said: "Robin was not only an exceptional and extraordinary musician and songwriter, he was a highly intelligent, interesting and committed human being. He
2212-611: A judge. In January 2004, the new version of that song was released in the UK as a double A side CD single. It eventually reached number 5 in the UK music charts. In late 2004, Gibb embarked a solo tour of Germany, Russia and Asia with singer Alistair Griffin as the opening act. On his return to the UK, Gibb released a CD and DVD of live recordings from the German leg of the tour, backed by the Frankfurt Neue Philharmonic Orchestra of Frankfurt , Germany. In 2005, Gibb made
2370-723: A lack of international acts on its roster, and Hooker eventually sold it on to Rupert Murdoch 's News Limited in 1961, shortly after Murdoch's attempt to acquire the Australian division of the American Ampar label. As with the Bill Haley single, Festival was again saved by a then-unknown American act—in this case, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, who had been recommended to Festival in 1962 by top Sydney DJ Bob Rogers . The Tijuana Brass' breakthrough record, "The Lonely Bull" became
2528-464: A large proportion of the most important Australian pop and rock music of the late 20th century, and the collection is said to contain more than 20,000 master tapes, including music by Johnny O'Keefe , the Bee Gees , Peter Allen , Sherbet , Olivia Newton-John , Timbaland , Nelly Furtado , Madonna , Mika and Kylie Minogue . Another major FMR asset, Festival Studios, was acquired by ex-Festival Studios engineer Tom Misner, who acquired Studios 301
2686-556: A major museum exhibition and a series of commemorative CDs. News Ltd poured millions into Festival in the decade between 1995 and 2005; James Murdoch reportedly spent A$ 10 million on artists and repertoire. The company won both the Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year ARIA award in 2004 with Powderfinger and Amiel . Despite these successes, revenues continued to fall and by 2006 the company
2844-550: A musical score for Henry The Eighth and making his own film called Family Tree . Later, it was reported on NME that Gibb wrote dozens of songs for Tom Jones . A meeting between Gibb and Jones was said to be arranged for Gibb's return from a three-day promo trip to Germany. On 31 January and 1 February 1970, Gibb performed in Auckland , New Zealand at Redwood 70 , billed as the first modern music festival held in New Zealand. During
3002-527: A musician, Gibb primarily played a variety of keyboards, notably piano, organ and Mellotron on the Bee Gees album Odessa (1969); he also played acoustic guitar and organ on his debut solo album Robin's Reign (1970). Robin Hugh Gibb was born on 22 December 1949 in Jane Crookall Maternity Home in Douglas , Isle of Man, to Barbara Gibb (née Pass) and Hugh Gibb . He was the fraternal twin of Maurice Gibb and
3160-614: A number 2 UK hit, " Saved by the Bell ", which sold over one million copies and received a gold disc . He performed that song on the German TV show Beat-Club . Also in 1969, Gibb co-produced "Love for Living". The song was performed by Clare Torry and was released as a single. He also started a mini-tour, making television appearances in a dozen countries to promote "Saved by the Bell". By 19 July 1969, New Musical Express announced "Tonight, [Robin Gibb]
3318-400: A partner in the record label and this made him liable for its debts. As a result, he had most of his assets seized by creditors. He was rescued by Festival MD Fred Marks, who offered him a job as a house producer for Festival, overseeing all the pop side of the company's business. Aulton supervised the installation of Festival's new 4-track studio at Pyrmont later that year and he oversaw most of
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#17328846016283476-592: A reputation as the Murdoch family rebel; he bleached his hair and for some time sported an eyebrow stud and, to his family's dismay, he had just dropped out of Harvard University to set up a hip-hop label, Rawkus Records , which for a time was the United States' premier hip-hop label, boasting Mos Def , Company Flow and others. Hely stayed on for some time after the appointment, but he resigned earlier than he had planned after disagreements with Murdoch; MD Bill Eeg took
3634-623: A rock arrangement of " The Lord's Prayer ", was released as the B-side of her first single. After being picked up by radio it became one of the surprise hits of the year, reaching #3 on the Australian Singles Chart (Kent Music Report) in 1974. It was also a huge success in America, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 , becoming the first Australian recording to sell over one million copies in
3792-583: A sell-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, singing the Bee Gees song "First of May". In December 2005, a recordings of this performance was released as part of double A side single, credited as "G4 feat Robin Gibb" together with G4's cover version of the Johnny Mathis song "When a Child is Born". "First of May" also appeared on the platinum selling album G4 & Friends , which reached number 6 in
3950-512: A sizeable chunk out of Festival's profits, a problem compounded by Murdoch's persistent siphoning-off of Festival's profits, leaving it without the cash reserves it needed to invest in new plant, new acts and new labels. In 1995, Alan Hely was nearing retirement, but he agreed to stay on to tutor Rupert Murdoch's younger son, James , who, to the surprise of many in the industry, was appointed as Festival's chairman despite then being only 23 and with no significant business experience. James Murdoch had
4108-465: A solo album, Magnet in Germany on SPV GmbH , and worldwide shortly afterwards. Magnet featured the Bee Gees song "Wish You Were Here" (from the 1989 album One ) in a new acoustic version. The lead single, " Please ", had coincidental lyrics about 'loss'. In recent years, Gibb sang the vocals to the opening titles to the British ITV show The Dame Edna Treatment . In August 2003, Gibb announced
4266-557: A solo tour of Latin America. In January 2005, Gibb joined his brother Barry and several other artists under the name One World Project to record a charity single in aid of Asian tsunami relief, titled "Grief Never Grows Old". Other artists who performed on the single included Boy George , Steve Winwood , Jon Anderson , Rick Wakeman , Sir Cliff Richard , Bill Wyman , America , Kenney Jones , Chicago , Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys , Russell Watson and Davy Spillane . In June 2005, Gibb joined The X Factor runner up band G4 at
4424-1245: A son, Robin-John (known as RJ, b. 21 January 1983). Robin-John's first major musical project was the Titanic Requiem (2012), written with Gibb and first performed at the Central Hall, Westminster, London, on 10 April 2012, by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and RSVP Voices. At 50 years of age, Gibb began an affair with his 25-year-old housekeeper, Claire Yang, that eight years later produced his fourth child, Snow Evelyn Robin Juliet Gibb, born 4 November 2008. Gibb and his wife divided their time between their homes in Peel, Isle of Man , their mansion in Miami, Florida and their main residence in Thame , Oxfordshire. On 10 March 1988, younger brother Andy died in Oxford , of myocarditis . On 12 January 2003, twin brother Maurice died in Miami Beach, Florida , of complications from
4582-565: A song covered in the US by Jerry Allison of the Crickets (as Ivan) in 1958 and also recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis for Sun Records. Both artists had heard O'Keefe perform the song during their 1958 Aussie tour and rush recorded the song on their return to the US. This Festival success was followed by four #1 hits in 1959 for another local act, Col Joye & the Joy Boys. But despite the chart success, Festival continued to lose money due to poor management and
4740-476: A steady stream of international hit albums and singles. Festival played a major role in the Australian pop scene of the mid-to-late 1960s , and it competed strongly with its overseas-owned rivals EMI , CBS and RCA . Festival recorded or distributed some of the most popular Australian acts of the decade, including country music star Reg Lindsay. Lindsay received citations and awards from Festival management and
4898-517: A twisted intestine. Politically, Gibb was a supporter of New Labour, the British Labour Party when Tony Blair was Prime Minister. He launched a rally in Huddersfield , West Yorkshire, ahead of the 2005 General Election. He was a close friend of Blair, who was criticised for staying at Gibb's Miami mansion during Christmas 2006. In 2008, Gibb publicly stated that he continued to get on "like
Robin Gibb - Misplaced Pages Continue
5056-464: A wide range of investments including one of Australia's first supermarket companies, and a whaling business and also backed famed Australian filmmaker Charles Chauvel . The origin of Festival was Mainguard's purchase and merging of two small Sydney businesses—a record pressing company, Microgroove Australia, one of the first Australian companies to produce discs in the new vinyl microgroove record format, and Casper Precision Engineering. After buying
5214-565: A worldwide hit and its success in Australia enabled Festival to sign a crucial distribution deal with Alpert's label A&M Records , who supplied Festival with a stream of top-selling U.S. acts such as the Carpenters . Under the astute direction of long-serving company chairman Alan Hely, Festival quickly rose to become one of the top pop labels in Australasia (although the New Zealand operation
5372-512: Is an image of Britannia surrounded by the motto, with the words "For Meritorious Service" at the bottom; on the reverse is George V's Imperial and Royal Cypher, with the words "Instituted by King George V" at the bottom. The name of the recipient is engraved on the rim. This medal is nicknamed "the Gong", and comes in both full-sized and miniature versions – the latter for formal white-tie and semi-formal black-tie occasions. A lapel pin for everyday wear
5530-514: Is fronting a 97-piece orchestra and a 60-piece choir in a recording of his latest composition, 'To Heaven and Back', which was inspired by the Apollo 11 moonshot. It is an entirely instrumental piece, with the choir being used for astral effects. The single will be billed as by 'The Robin Gibb Orchestra and Chorus' and it will be rush-released as soon as possible by Polydor ". At that time, he was doing
5688-931: Is not a member of the College of Arms , as are many other heraldic officers; and the Lady Usher of the Purple Rod does not – unlike the Order of the Garter equivalent, the Lady Usher of the Black Rod – perform any duties related to the House of Lords . Since the Second World War, several Commonwealth realms have established their own national system of honours and awards and have created their own unique orders, decorations and medals. A number, though, continue to make recommendations for appointments to
5846-762: Is the Manx name for the Isle of Man.) On 8 September 2007, Gibb performed at a concert in Salt Lake City , Utah at EnergySolutions Arena for the Nu Skin Enterprises Convention, singing a set of Bee Gees hits. On 25 October 2007, Gibb performed at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia , Bulgaria and sang the Bee Gees' most famous songs. In 2008, Gibb completed a new solo album entitled 50 St. Catherine's Drive , but it
6004-643: The Sesame Street Fever album for the Sesame Street children's TV program. He was one of the singers on the "Sesame Street Fever" title track, he sang a song called "Trash" for the character Oscar the Grouch , and spoke with Cookie Monster at the beginning of " C is for Cookie ". In January 1980, Gibb co-wrote and co-produced Jimmy Ruffin 's 1980 album Sunrise with Blue Weaver . Ruffin had enjoyed one of his first significant hits, "Hold on to My Love", from
6162-661: The 1997 BRIT Awards held at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London on 24 February, the Bee Gees received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In the 2002 New Year Honours , Gibb was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) along with his brothers Maurice and Barry. However, the official presentation ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London was delayed until 2004 due to Maurice's death. In May 2004, Gibb and his brother Barry both received honorary doctorates of music from
6320-584: The British Empire Medal , and the following year its recipients were granted the right to use the postnominal letters BEM. During the war, the BEM came to be used to recognise acts of bravery which did not merit the award of a George Cross or George Medal , a use which continued until the introduction of the Queen's Gallantry Medal in 1974. The designs of insignia of the order and medal were altered in 1937, prior to
6478-615: The Central Hall, Westminster , London, but his failing health kept him away. He died the next month. In 1968, Gibb married Molly Hullis, a secretary in Robert Stigwood 's organisation. Not long before they were married they survived the Hither Green rail crash together. They had two children together, Spencer (b. 1972) and Melissa (b. 1974). The couple divorced in 1980 after years of living separate lives, with Gibb almost permanently in
Robin Gibb - Misplaced Pages Continue
6636-573: The Empire Gallantry Medal , were given permission to use the postnominal letters EGM (and at the same time to add a laurel branch emblem to the ribbon of the medal); however, in 1940, awards of the EGM ceased and all holders of the medal were instructed to exchange it for a new and more prestigious gallantry award: the George Cross . In 1941, the medal of the order 'for meritorious service' was renamed
6794-577: The Melbourne based Mushroom Records label and the Sydney-based Regular Records label, whose roster included top selling bands such as Icehouse , Mental As Anything and the Cockroaches (which later evolved into the hugely successful children's act The Wiggles ). Both Mushroom and Regular recorded much of the best new Australian music of the time. In the late 1980s change swept through
6952-484: The Order of Canada . On the other hand, the Australian Honours System unilaterally created in 1975 did not achieve bi-partisan support until 1992, which was when Australian federal and state governments agreed to cease Australian recommendations for British honours; the last Australian recommended Order of the British Empire appointments were in the 1989 Queen's Birthday Honours . New Zealand continued to use
7110-424: The Prince's Trust 30th birthday Concert at the Tower of London along with Barry. They sang three songs: " Jive Talkin' ", " To Love Somebody " and " You Should Be Dancing ". In September 2006, Gibb performs at the Miss World 2006 contest finals in Warsaw , Poland. In November 2006, Gibb released his sixth album My Favourite Christmas Carols the last album released in his lifetime, backed by The Serlo Concert,
7268-459: The University of Manchester , England. In 2005, Gibb received the Steiger Award (Miner Award) in Bochum , Germany for accomplishments in the arts. On 10 July 2009, both brothers were also made Freemen of the Borough of Douglas, Isle of Man. The award was also bestowed posthumously on Maurice, therefore confirming the freedom of the town of their birth to Gibb, Barry and Maurice. The radio and television presenter Paul Gambaccini has stated that
7426-444: The coronation of King George VI , 'in commemoration of the reign of King George V and Queen Mary, during which the Order was founded'. The figure of Britannia at the centre of the badge of the order was replaced with an image of the crowned heads of the late King and Queen Mary, and the words 'Instituted by King George V' were added to the reverse of the medal. The colour of the riband was also changed: twenty years earlier, prior to
7584-401: The 21st century quotas were introduced to ensure consistent representation among recipients across nine categories of eligibility: with the largest proportion of awards being reserved for community, voluntary and local service. Non-military awards of the British Empire Medal resumed in 2012, starting with 293 BEMs awarded for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee . In 2017 the centenary of
7742-481: The Australian Record Industry in the 1960s and 1970s for outstanding record sales and his promotion of country music nationally and internationally] the Delltones , Warren Williams , Billy Thorpe , the Bee Gees , Ray Brown & the Whispers , Tony Worsley & the Fabulous Blue Jays, Jimmy Little , Noeleen Batley , Mike Furber , Olivia Newton-John , the Dave Miller Set , Johnny Young , Jamie Redfern , Wild Cherries and Jeff St John . An important factor in
7900-465: The Australian rights to the recording for Festival in 1955, after the song became a big hit in America and Britain thanks to its inclusion in the film Blackboard Jungle . "Rock Around the Clock" became the biggest-selling record ever released in Australia up to that time, and it established Festival as a significant emerging player in the popular music market. When Mainguard began diverting Festival's profits into its other businesses, Welch resigned. He
8058-450: The Aztecs and Blackfeather. Infinity's biggest successes were Sydney band Sherbet , who became the most popular and successful local band of the early Seventies and one of the most successful Australian groups of all time, and singer-songwriter Richard Clapton ; both acts were produced by Richard Batchens , who succeeded Pat Aulton as Festival's main house producer. In 1979 Mark Moffatt replaced Batchens as house producer, bringing much of
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#17328846016288216-413: The Bee Gees recorded their own version of " Ellan Vannin " with lead vocals by Gibb. It was later released as a single as a limited edition CD to benefit the Manx Children in Need charity. In 2001, the Bee Gees released their last album This Is Where I Came In and features his last composition on a Bee Gees record "Embrace". On 27 January 2003, two weeks after the sudden death of Maurice, Robin released
8374-425: The Bee Gees were "second only to Lennon and McCartney as the most successful songwriting unit in British popular music", and recognised Gibb as "one of the major figures in the history of British music [and] one of the best white soul voices ever". Gibb was a fellow of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA). Commander of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of
8532-484: The British Empire is a British order of chivalry , rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service . It comprises five classes of awards across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two of which make the recipient either a knight if male or a dame if female. There is also the related British Empire Medal , whose recipients are affiliated with, but not members of,
8690-739: The British Empire . Rather than using this chapel, the Order now holds its great services upstairs in the nave of the cathedral. In addition to the Chapel of the Order of the British Empire, St Paul's Cathedral also houses the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George . Religious services for the whole Order are held every four years; new Knights and Dames Grand Cross are installed at these services. Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commander prefix Sir , and Dames Grand Cross and Dames Commander prefix Dame , to their forenames. Wives of Knights may prefix Lady to their surnames, but no equivalent privilege exists for husbands of Knights or spouses of Dames. Such forms are not used by peers and princes, except when
8848-443: The British Empire for Gallantry. Any individual made a member of the order for gallantry after 14 January 1958 wears an emblem of two crossed silver oak leaves on the same ribbon as the badge, with a miniature version on the ribbon bar when worn alone. When the ribbon only is worn the emblem is worn in miniature. It could not be awarded posthumously , and was replaced in 1974 with the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM). If recipients of
9006-436: The Coming Home Concert at the London Palladium in February to benefit British soldiers returning home from Afghanistan. It would be his last performance onstage. Over a period of two years, Gibb and Robin-John wrote the score for The Titanic Requiem , recorded by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic . Gibb was due to attend the piece's première on 10 April 2012 at
9164-465: The Everly Brothers , Cliff Richard , and Paul Anka . In May 1958, the group was disbanded as Frost and Horrocks left, and the name changed to Wee Johnny Hayes and the Blue Cats. In August 1958, the family travelled to Australia on the same ship as Red Symons , who also became a prominent musician in Australia. The boys finally changed their name to the Bee Gees , while they were living in Queensland , Australia. The Bee Gees' debut television appearance
9322-407: The Heritage Foundation, which honours figures of British culture and facilitated his campaign on behalf of the Bomber Command Memorial Appeal. On 14 August 2010, while performing in Belgium, Gibb began to feel abdominal pains. On 18 August 2010 at an Oxford hospital, he underwent emergency surgery. Gibb recovered and returned to perform concerts in New Zealand and Australia. During this time, Gibb
9480-419: The London music festival BBC Electric Proms . Gibb went back to the top of the UK charts in 2009 when he collaborated with singers Ruth Jones , Rob Brydon and Tom Jones on a new version of " Islands in the Stream ", written by Gibb and his brothers Barry and Maurice. The new version, inspired by the BBC comedy TV show Gavin & Stacey , was created to benefit the charity Comic Relief . In 2010, Gibb
9638-419: The Military Division of the order from the UK and across the Empire. Recommendations for all appointments to the Order of the British Empire were originally made on the nomination of the King's United Kingdom ministers (recommendations for overseas awards were made by the Foreign Office , the Colonial Office , the India Office and the Dominions Office ); but in the early 1940s the system was changed to enable
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#17328846016289796-413: The Mushroom recording in house. Another notable success for Festival in this period was Sister Janet Mead . The Adelaide-based nun was an experienced music teacher who had been using pop music in religious ceremonies to involve young people and had provided music for "rock Mass" events. In 1973 Mead came to Sydney to record with Festival house producer Martin Erdman and one of the tracks from that session,
9954-436: The Order of the British Empire for Gallantry received promotion within the order, whether for gallantry or otherwise, they continued to wear also the insignia of the lower grade with the oak leaves; however, they used only the post-nominal letters of the higher grade. When the order was founded in 1917, badges, ribands and stars were appointed for wear by recipients. In 1929 mantles, hats and collars were added for recipients of
10112-456: The Order of the British Empire. In 2024 appointments to the order were made by the governments of: Most members of the order are citizens of the United Kingdom or Commonwealth realms that use the UK system of honours and awards. In addition, honorary awards may be made to citizens of nations where the monarch is not head of state ; these permit use of post-nominal letters, but not the title of Sir or Dame . Honorary appointees who later become
10270-404: The Order, however, are not assigned any special precedence. As a general rule, only wives and children of male recipients are afforded privileges. Knights and Dames Grand Cross are also entitled to be granted heraldic supporters . They may, furthermore, encircle their arms with a depiction of the circlet (a circle bearing the motto) and the collar; the former is shown either outside or on top of
10428-471: The R'Jays. Festival's sales trebled, but by this time Mainguard was in serious financial straits and in 1957 Cullen sold Festival to property magnate LJ Hooker . Hooker was an avid music fan and reportedly took a keen personal interest in the company, even establishing his own boutique imprint label, Rex, named after the Sydney hotel that he owned. During this time, Festival had its first home-grown hit with Johnny O'Keefe's " Wild One " (aka "Real Wild Child"),
10586-426: The Scissor Sisters , Jermaine Dupri , Peter Frampton , Adam Hills , Peter Andre , Richard Marx , Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas , Justin Bieber , the Doors , Bruno Mars , Sam Sparro , Elton John , Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed , Duran Duran , the Script and Bryan Adams . Gibb's final studio album, 50 St. Catherine's Drive , was released posthumously on 29 September 2014 in the UK and 30 September 2014 in
10744-563: The UK album charts. In the same year, Gibb presented master classes at Paul McCartney 's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and oversaw the selection for release of thesis works by music graduates for the next two terms. On 20 February 2006, Gibb and Barry performed at a concert for Diabetes Research Institute of the University of Miami in Hollywood, Florida . This was their first joint performance since Maurice's death. In March 2006, Gibb announced plans for more solo concerts in Shanghai, China and Portugal. In May 2006, Gibb took part in
10902-486: The UK continue to make appointments to the order. Honorary awards may be made to citizens of other nations of which the order's sovereign is not the head of state. The five classes of appointment to the Order are, from highest grade to lowest grade: The senior two ranks of Knight or Dame Grand Cross and Knight or Dame Commander entitle their members to use the titles Sir for men and Dame for women before their forenames, except with honorary awards. King George V founded
11060-417: The UK-based Heritage Foundation, which honours figures in British culture . After a career spanning six decades, Gibb last performed onstage in February 2012 supporting injured British servicemen at a charity concert at the London Palladium . After numerous health problems in his final years, including a battle with colorectal cancer , Gibb died in May 2012 at the age of 62 from liver and kidney failure. As
11218-449: The US and Hullis remaining in the UK; she filed for divorce on 22 May 1980. On 9 September 1983, Gibb was arrested and sentenced to 14 days in jail for speaking to the press about his previous marriage in breach of a court order. Gibb's second marriage, from 1985 until his death, was to Dwina Murphy, an author and artist. She is interested in the Druidry religion and is a follower of the neo- Hindu Brahma Kumaris movement. The couple had
11376-524: The US. The album reached No. 70 in the UK and No. 39 in Germany. It features previously unreleased recordings from 2007 and 2008. The lead single, "Days of Wine and Roses", was premiered in the United States on 12 September. Reprise Records issued a new version of " I Am the World " from the album as a single in the UK. Gibb's first compilation album entitled, Saved by the Bell – The Collected Works of Robin Gibb: 1969–70
11534-517: The United Kingdom; those who would formerly have met the criteria for the medal were instead made eligible for the MBE. In 2004, a report entitled A Matter of Honour: Reforming Our Honours System by a Commons select committee recommended phasing out the Order of the British Empire, as its title was "now considered to be unacceptable, being thought to embody values that are no longer shared by many of
11692-588: The United States, earning a Gold Award for Sister Janet Mead and Martin Erdman. It also earned a Grammy Award nomination and Golden Gospel Award in 2004. Although the American-owned companies Warner Music Group and CBS considerably expanded their local presence and market share during this period, Festival enjoyed continuing success during the late 1970s and mid to late 1980s under the helm of managing director Jim White, and also thanks in part to its alliance with
11850-567: The album Sunrise, which Robin Gibb had written and produced. "Hold on to My Love" had reached and stayed in the US Top 30 hits for 14 weeks. Also in 1980, he duetted with Marcy Levy on the song " Help Me! " (reached No. 50 in the US) featured on the soundtrack of the film Times Square . The other artists performing on the film, including Gary Numan , Roxy Music , Ramones , The Cure and The Cars . Also in 1980, most of Barbra Streisand 's album Guilty
12008-606: The album to his mother, Barbara. My Favourite Christmas Carols has a bonus DVD disc titled A Personal Christmas Moment with Robin Gibb . Also in November 2006, Gibb performed a solo concert, entitled 'Bee Gees – Greatest Hits' at the Araneta Coliseum (now Smart Araneta Coliseum ) in Manila , Philippines. Gibb marked his return to his birthplace by playing a concert at the Isle of Man TT festival in 2007. Gibb donated all of his share of
12166-449: The album would go unreleased until 2015. He wanted "Great Caesar's Ghost" to be released as a single around 1970 with "Engines, Aeroplanes" as the B-side but the two songs were not included on that album and were unreleased to this day. On 13 June, Gibb and Maurice reunited and they recorded four songs, with two of the four tracks released on their upcoming album 2 Years On . The session was originally for Maurice alone as he brought Gibb to
12324-522: The announcement was " Lonely Days " which reached No. 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 . On the 2 Years On album, Gibb's songs included "Alone Again". He also co-wrote and sang lead vocals on the title track as well as "Man For All Seasons". In December 1970, Gibb recorded a demo "After the Laughter". The Bee Gees had their first US No. 1 single " How Can You Mend a Broken Heart ", with Gibb contributing on
12482-451: The award of medal of the order to Lizzie Robinson, a munitions worker. The order had been established primarily as a civilian award; in August 1918, however, not long after its foundation, a number of awards were made to serving naval and military personnel. Four months later, a 'Military Division' was added to the order, to which serving personnel would in future be appointed. The classes were
12640-468: The cathedral. That year, Commonwealth awards made up 40% of all OBEs and MBEs awarded (and 35% of all living recipients of the higher awards). Gradually that proportion reduced as independent states within the Commonwealth established their own systems of honours . The last Canadian recommendation for the Order of the British Empire was an MBE for gallantry gazetted in 1966, a year before the creation of
12798-402: The centre for awards in the military division). From time to time the order was expanded: there was an increase in the maximum permitted number of recipients in 1933, and a further increase in 1937. During the Second World War, as had been the case during and after World War I, the number of military awards was greatly increased; between 1939 and 1946 there were more than 33,000 appointments to
12956-418: The circlet. In 1929, to bring the order into line with the other orders of chivalry, members of the first class of the order (GBE) were provided with mantles, hats and collars. Only Knights/Dames Grand Cross wear these elaborate vestments; the hat is now rarely, if ever, worn. Use of the mantle is limited to important occasions (such as quadrennial services and coronations ). The mantle is always worn with
13114-488: The civil division were to be divided equally between UK and overseas awards. With regard to the Medal of the Order (but not the order itself), a distinction was made in 1922 between awards 'for gallantry' and awards 'for meritorious service' (each being appropriately inscribed, and the former having laurel leaves decorating the clasp, the latter oak leaves). In 1933 holders of the medal 'for gallantry', which had come to be known as
13272-444: The collar. Although the mantle was introduced in 1929, very few mantles would have been produced prior to the 1937 design changes, as there were few occasions for wearing them in the intervening years. On certain days designated by the sovereign, known as " collar days ", members attending formal events may wear the order's collar over their military uniform, formal day dress, evening wear or robes of office. Collars are returned upon
13430-405: The company's pop/rock output between 1967 and 1970, including producing an album and an Australian hit single for American singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka . In January 1971, Festival established a new progressive music label, Infinity Records (not related to the U.S. MCA affiliated label of the same name, see Infinity Records .) Early Infinity releases included Kahvas Jute , Billy Thorpe &
13588-699: The company's success during the pop boom of the 1960s was the pressing and distribution deals it made with the many small independent pop labels that emerged in this period. Notable among these were the Sunshine Records and Kommotion Records labels established by Ivan Dayman in 1964, Martin Clarke's Perth based Clarion Records and the Sydney-based pop label Spin Records , a partnership between publisher Clyde Packer and promoter Harry M Miller . A large proportion of
13746-479: The country's population". The committee further suggested changing the name of the award to the Order of British Excellence, and changing the rank of Commander to Companion (as the former was said to have a "militaristic ring"), as well as advocating for the abolition of knighthoods and damehoods; the government, however, was not of the opinion that a case for change had been made, and the aforementioned suggestions and recommendations were not, therefore, pursued. In
13904-403: The death of their owners, but other insignia may be retained. The six office-holders of the order wear pearl-grey mantles lined with rose-pink, having on the right side a purple shield charged with the roundel from the badge. Each of these office-holders wears a unique badge of office, suspended from a gold chain worn around the neck. The British Empire Medal is made of silver. On the obverse
14062-670: The distinction between ranks in military operational gallantry awards will cease'. The reforms affected the order at various levels: for example the automatic award each year of a GBE to the Lord Mayor of London ceased; the OBE replaced the Imperial Service Order as an award for civil servants and the number of MBEs awarded each year was significantly increased. As part of these reforms the British Empire Medal stopped being awarded by
14220-408: The end we found conflict with each other, which now means nothing. It just means nothing. If there's conflict in your lives – get rid of it." At Robin's funeral, Barry talked about the connection between Robin and his twin brother Maurice, saying: "They were both beautiful and now they're together." Barry added details about Robin's struggle losing his brother Maurice a decade earlier, saying: "I think
14378-495: The family later moved to Manchester for three years (where Andy was born) before settling in Redcliffe , just north of Brisbane , Australia. Gibb began his career as part of the family trio (Barry-Maurice-Robin). When the group found their first success, they returned to England, where they achieved worldwide fame. In 2002, the Bee Gees were appointed as CBEs for their "contribution to music". However, investiture at Buckingham Palace
14536-404: The first night of the festival, Gibb and his 16-piece backing orchestra were pelted with cans and tomatoes from the crowd, making his backing band gradually leave during the performance. Robin's first solo album, Robin's Reign (1970) was less successful and he soon found that being a solo artist was unsatisfying. Maurice played bass on the song "Mother and Jack", but was subsequently removed from
14694-515: The former was to be responsible for recording all proceedings connected with the order, issuing warrants under the seal of the order and making arrangements for investitures, while the latter (at that time the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury ) was responsible for collecting and tabulating the names of those who were to receive an award. The office of Dean was added in 1957. The King of Arms
14852-401: The governments of overseas dominions to make their own nominations; Canada and South Africa began doing so in 1942, followed by Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth realms. In May 1957, forty years after the foundation of the order, it was announced that St Paul's Cathedral was to serve as the church of the order, and in 1960 a chapel was dedicated for its use within the crypt of
15010-479: The greatest pain for Robin in the past ten years was losing his twin brother, and I think it did all kinds of things to him." The Who 's Roger Daltrey recalled: "A lovely, lovely guy. I hear everyone talking about the success of their career but I haven't heard many talk about him as a singer and I used to think he was one of the best. To me, singing is about moving people and Robin's voice had something about it that could move me and, I'm sure, millions of others. It
15168-470: The group and begin a solo career (three months after guitarist Vince Melouney left the band) after his song " Lamplight " was relegated to the B-side of Barry's song " First of May ". Meanwhile, there were rumours during this period that he was dealing with drug problems, allegedly leading his parents to threaten legal action to make him a ward of court (the UK age of majority at that time being 21, while Gibb
15326-450: The highest class of the order (GBE). The designs of all these items underwent major changes in 1937. The badge is worn by all members of the order; the size, colour and design depends on the class of award. The badge for all classes is in the form of a cross patonce (having the arms growing broader and floriated toward the end) with a medallion in the centre, the obverse of which bears a crowned image of George V and Queen Mary within
15484-550: The highest selling album of 2002 with the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann 's Moulin Rouge . "Addicted to Bass" went to #2 in the UK charts and the band had top ten records in Japan through a licence arrangement with Sony Music Japan . In 2002, FMR had more #1 singles and more #1 albums than any other company. In 2000, James Murdoch was appointed to head Star TV and moved to Hong Kong . Festival celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2002 with
15642-968: The home of AC/DC Under Grierson and Murdoch's management, Festival bought out Michael Gudinski 's controlling 51% share of Mushroom Records in 1999. The two companies were then merged and renamed Festival Mushroom Records (FMR). Several notable industry figures were hired as executives, including Jeremy Fabinyi (former artist manager and ex-head of AMCOS), Paul Dickson, former head of Polygram Australia, respected musician Mark Callaghan (ex- Riptides , GANGgajang ) and industry veteran and former Larrikin Records boss Warren Fahey . The company also established an online music site, Whammo, which offered online CD sales as well as hosting an online version of Ian McFarlane 's Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop . The company had #1 records with Motorace, 28 Days, George, Amiel , Kylie Minogue and others under licence and distribution arrangements including Moby , Madonna , Britney Spears and Michael Crawford . They also had
15800-631: The honours system, calling it "a preposterous charade". The order has attracted some criticism for its naming having connection with the idea of the now-extinct British Empire . Benjamin Zephaniah , a British poet of Jamaican and Barbadian descent, publicly rejected appointment as an Officer in 2003 because, he asserted, it reminded him of "thousands of years of brutality". He also said that "it reminds me of how my foremothers were raped and my forefathers brutalised". Festival Records Festival Records , later known as Festival Mushroom Records ,
15958-446: The insignia to Buckingham Palace and by ceasing to make reference to their honour, but they still hold the honour unless and until annulled by the monarch. In 2003, The Sunday Times published a list of the people who had rejected the Order of the British Empire, including David Bowie , John Cleese , Nigella Lawson , Elgar Howarth , L. S. Lowry , George Melly , and J. G. Ballard . In addition, Ballard voiced his opposition to
16116-624: The junior post-nominal letters. The British sovereign is the sovereign of the order and appoints all other officers of the order (by convention, on the advice of the governments of the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth realms ). The second-most senior officer is the Grand Master (a 'Prince of the Blood Royal, or other exalted personage' appointed by the sovereign, who, by virtue of their appointment, becomes 'the First or Principal Knight Grand Cross of
16274-469: The label in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Festival was able to gain a foothold in the Australian music market mainly thanks to Welch, who acquired the Australian rights to the epoch-making Bill Haley record " Rock Around the Clock ". The single had originally been turned down by the Australian division of EMI in 1954, when it was first released in the United States, but Welch was able to trump EMI and secure
16432-519: The latter. Knights and Dames Commander and Commanders may display the circlet, but not the collar, surrounding their arms. The badge is depicted suspended from the collar or circlet. See List of current honorary knights and dames of the Order of the British Empire Only the monarch can annul an honour. The Honours Forfeiture Committee considers cases and makes recommendations for forfeiture. An individual can renounce their honour by returning
16590-512: The left breast, by Knights and Dames Grand Cross; Knights and Dames Commander wear a smaller star composed of 'four equal points and four lesser'. The star is not worn by the more junior classes. Prior to 1937 each star had in the centre a gold medallion with a figure of Britannia, surrounded by a crimson circlet inscribed with the motto of the order ('For God and the Empire'); since 1937 the effigies of King George V and Queen Mary have been shown within
16748-537: The money from this concert to the children's ward at Noble's Hospital, Isle of Man, and invited all emergency service staff and marshals for the TT to attend for free. On 18 May 2008, Gibb released the song " Alan Freeman Days " in tribute to the Australian DJ Alan Freeman . The song was issued as a download only track, although a promotional CD was issued by Academy Recordings. In December 2008, "Alan Freeman Days"
16906-831: The music industry and vinyl was rapidly supplanted by the new compact disc format which Festival embraced. However it started to lose manufacturing revenue at this point because of how predominant its vinyl and cassette pressing business was and because of the lack of CD manufacturing facilities for Festival, whose revenue was also dented by the loss of many of the successful independent overseas labels it had formerly distributed, notably Island Records , A&M and Chrysalis ; some deals ended due to overseas labels opening local branches, while others were lost when these former independents (e.g. Virgin, Charisma) were taken over by major labels like PolyGram , BMG ( Bertelsmann Music Group ), Sony Music , Warner Music Group (which would absorb Festival), and EMI . The loss of these overseas labels took
17064-563: The name Anti-Heroin Project to record a charity single called "Live-In World". In late 1986, the Bee Gees began writing and recording songs for their album ESP to be released in 1987. In 1992, Lulu recorded "Let Me Wake Up in Your Arms" on which he co-wrote. Gibb later contributed vocals on the Brazilian duo José y Durval's "Palavras/Palabras" (a Spanish or Portuguese version of "Words"). In 1998,
17222-469: The names of the former are written out in their fullest forms. Male clergy of the Church of England or the Church of Scotland do not use the title Sir (unless they were knighted before being ordained) as they do not receive the accolade (they are not dubbed "knight" with a sword), although they do append the post-nominal letters ; dames do not receive the accolade, and therefore female clergy are free to use
17380-449: The numbers restricted to the order as full members do. Although the Order of the British Empire has by far the highest number of members of the British orders of chivalry, with more than 100,000 living members worldwide, there are fewer appointments to knighthoods than in other orders. From time to time, individuals may be promoted to a higher grade within the Order, thereby ceasing usage of
17538-605: The order alongside its own honours until the establishment of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1996. Other Commonwealth realms have continued to use the Order of the British Empire alongside their own honours. In 1993 the Prime Minister, John Major , instituted a reform of the honours system with the aim 'that exceptional service or achievement will be more widely recognised; that greater importance will be given to voluntary service; that automatic honours will end; that
17696-569: The order to fill gaps in the British honours system : In particular, George V wished to create an order to honour the many thousands of individuals from across the Empire who had served in a variety of non-combat roles during the First World War . From its foundation the order consisted of five classes (GBE, KBE/DBE, CBE, OBE and MBE) and was open to both women and men; provision was also made for conferring honorary awards on foreign recipients. At
17854-409: The order was celebrated with a service at St Paul's Cathedral. The order is limited to 300 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 845 Knights and Dames Commander, and 8,960 Commanders. There are no limits applied to the total number of members of the fourth and fifth classes, but no more than 858 officers and 1,464 members may be appointed per year. Foreign appointees, as honorary members, do not contribute to
18012-410: The order's establishment, Queen Mary had made it known that pink would be her preferred colour for the riband of the proposed new order, but, in the event, purple was chosen. Following her appointment as Grand Master of the order in 1936 a change was duly made and since 9 March 1937 the riband of the order has been 'rose pink edged with pearl grey’ (with the addition of a vertical pearl grey stripe in
18170-402: The order. The order was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V , who created the order to recognise 'such persons, male or female, as may have rendered or shall hereafter render important services to Our Empire'. Equal recognition was to be given for services rendered in the UK and overseas. Today the majority of recipients are UK citizens, though a number of Commonwealth realms outside
18328-524: The production and organization team they usually had behind them to promote their albums. They then worked on Dionne Warwick 's album Heartbreaker and recorded songs for the film Staying Alive . He recorded his second solo album with Maurice's participation, How Old Are You? . The lead single " Juliet " was a success in Europe as well as " Another Lonely Night in New York " and the title track . In 1984, he released his third solo album Secret Agent ,
18486-491: The project by producer Robert Stigwood . Also in that year, Colin Petersen produced "Make a Stranger Your Friend" performed by Jonathan Kelly , on which Gibb sang on the chorus with Mick Taylor , Klaus Voormann , Madeline Bell , three members of The Family Dogg , Jackie Lomax , Peter Sellers , Spike Milligan and others. By January 1970, Gibb started to record his second solo album Sing Slowly Sisters until February, but
18644-738: The recordings released on Sunshine, Kommmotion and Spin were overseen by producer Pat Aulton , who became one of Festival's house producers from 1966 until the early 1970s. Aulton was probably responsible for more Australian-made hits than any other record producer of his era. Aulton began his career as a singer in the Adelaide band the Clefs , then became an A&R manager for the Sunshine label, where he produced many of that label's releases, including hits by Normie Rowe . When Dayman's mini-empire collapsed in 1966, Aulton discovered that he had unwittingly been named as
18802-751: The reins for a short period before but resigned after the appointment of Roger Grierson , a one-time member of Sydney '80s new wave band the Thought Criminals and a former manager of Nick Cave . In 1997, Grierson set about rebuilding Festival's profile, negotiating new licensing/distribution/promotion deals with a group of prestige Australian independent labels including W.Minc, Half a Cow , Reliant Records, Global Records , and Psy-Harmonics as well as international licences including TVT Records , Walt Disney Records / Hollywood Records / Mammoth Records , Chris Blackwell 's Palm Pictures , V2 Records and later on prestigious Australian label Albert Productions ,
18960-437: The release of a new single of "My Lover's Prayer", a song first recorded by the Bee Gees in 1997 on the album Still Waters , with lead vocals by Gibb and singers Wanya Morris and Lance Bass . That version was played on the radio but was never actually released. In October 2003, Gibb recorded a second version of the song with Alistair Griffin , a-runner up in the UK television program Fame Academy on which Gibb appeared as
19118-429: The result that he collapsed last week. We may be twins, but I'm not a bit like him." —Maurice Gibb, press conference, 1968 The group's first period of British success in the late 1960s started with " New York Mining Disaster 1941 " and the band added drummer Colin Petersen and guitarist Vince Melouney to their line up. They toured Europe in 1967 and 1968 as well as the US in August 1968. The band's first UK No. 1
19276-633: The same Order'). The position of Grand Master has been held by the following people: In addition to the sovereign and the grand master , the order has six further officers: At its foundation the order was served by three officers: the King of Arms, the Registrar & Secretary and the Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod. In 1922 the Prelate was added, and the office of Registrar was separated from that of Secretary:
19434-459: The same as for the Civil Division (as it was now termed), but military awards were distinguished by the addition of a central vertical red stripe to the purple riband of the civil awards. In 1920 appointment as an MBE 'for an act of gallantry' was granted for the first time, to Sydney Frank Blanck Esq, who had rescued an injured man from a burning building containing explosives. In December 1922
19592-556: The same time, alongside the order, the Medal of the Order of the British Empire was instituted, to serve as a lower award granting recipients affiliation but not membership. The first investiture took place at Ibrox Stadium , as part of a royal visit to the Glasgow shipyards, with the appointment of Alexander Ure, 1st Baron Strathclyde as a GBE (in recognition of his role as chairman of the Scottish War Savings Committee) and
19750-414: The sessions. On 21 June sessions, the pair recorded another five songs. In August, the pair returned to the studio and they announced that the Bee Gees were back, with or without Barry's contribution. One of the fourteen songs, "Back Home" and "I'm Weeping" was also released on 2 Years On . On 21 August it was announced that Barry had rejoined the group and they were recording together. The first song after
19908-547: The song "Lovers" as Barry provided lead vocals on the entire song. On the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, he did not sing lead vocals on any Bee Gees song, unlike their previous and next albums. Four tracks off the album reached the UK Top 10; "How Deep Is Your Love", "More Than A Woman", "Stayin' Alive", and "You Should Be Dancing". Moreover, "Night Fever" spent longer at #1 than any track in 1978. In 1978, Gibb performed on
20066-426: The song, writing with Barry and singing lead vocals on its first verse. In April 1972, two months after the departure of drummer Geoff Bridgford, he wrote his last solo composition on a Bee Gees record until 1999, "Never Been Alone". In 1976, on the group's Children of the World album, he sang lead on " Love Me " as well as doing falsetto on the track's coda, and he also used his falsetto on his lead vocal part on
20224-455: The standard of the George Medal (even though, as appointments to an order of chivalry, they were listed before it on the Order of Wear . In contrast to awards for meritorious service, which usually appear without a citation, there were often citations for gallantry awards, some detailed and graphic. From 14 January 1958, these awards were designated Commander, Officer or Member of the Order of
20382-476: The statutes of the order were amended; there having been a large number of awards for war work prior to this date, these amended statutes placed the order on more of a peacetime footing. For the first time numbers of appointments were limited, with the stipulation that senior awards in the Civil Division were to outnumber those in the Military Division by a proportion of six to one. Furthermore appointments in
20540-463: The success of "Boys Do Fall in Love", he performed the song in several TV shows including Eldorado (Danish TV). In 1985, he released his fourth solo album Walls Have Eyes with the singles "Like a Fool" and " Toys "; both songs did not chart in the US or UK. These three albums were more successful in Europe than in the UK or US. In 1986, Gibb joined Thompson Twins , Zak Starkey , Cliff Richard , Bonnie Tyler , John Parr and Holly Johnson under
20698-506: The title Dame . Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the post-nominal GBE; Knights Commander, KBE; Dames Commander, DBE; Commanders, CBE; Officers, OBE; and Members, MBE. The post-nominal for the British Empire Medal is BEM. Members of all classes of the order are assigned positions in the order of precedence . Wives of male members of all classes also feature on the order of precedence, as do sons, daughters and daughters-in-law of Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commander; relatives of Ladies of
20856-711: The twins used to come into Mrs Beck's house and we would talk to them. Robin once said to me, 'We're going to be rich one day, we're going to form a band!' Little did I realise he meant it." In 1955, when the Gibbs moved back to their hometown of Manchester , the brothers formed the Rattlesnakes . The band consisted of Barry on guitar and vocals, Robin and Maurice on vocals, Paul Frost on drums, and Kenny Horrocks on tea-chest bass . The quintet performed in local theatres in Manchester. Their influences at that time were popular acts, such as
21014-544: The two companies Cullen reincorporated them as Festival Records on 21 October 1952; soon after he appointed popular Sydney bandleader Les Welch as the label's first artists and repertoire (A&R) manager. Another early staff member was Bruce Gyngell , who was later hired to help found Australia's first commercial TV station, TCN-9 , in Sydney and was the first person to appear on television in Australia in 1956. The connection between Nine and Festival would reap great benefits for
21172-413: Was " Massachusetts ", which features Gibb on lead vocal. On 13 June 1968, Gibb recorded demos for seven songs, accompanying himself on guitar. The tape listed Robin alone as artist and songwriter. Of these, one – "Indian Gin and Whisky Dry" – later appeared on Idea . On 27 July 1968, Gibb collapsed and fell unconscious. He was later admitted to a London nursing home suffering from nervous exhaustion, and
21330-697: Was "I Don't Think It's Funny" in 1965. In 1966, he wrote his first song "I Don't Know Why I Bother With Myself" that was credited to him. Also in 1966, Gibb and his brother Barry took more solo vocals. "Robin is such a highly strung person, he was bound to snap eventually. We have just come back from holiday but he never moved out of his hotel room. He also went with Barry to Rome and Nairobi . But in both places, while Barry went sightseeing, Robin just stayed in his room writing songs. Robin seems totally unable to relax. He always has to be writing. Yet, instead of sitting back after his songs have been recorded, he immediately turns to new writing. So he gets tense and tired, with
21488-548: Was a good guy who didn't deserve to die this young. We will all miss him for what he was as a person and what he brought to music." Other artists paid tribute to Gibb, including Justin Timberlake (who played Robin in the Saturday Night Live skit " The Barry Gibb Talk Show "), Ronan Keating , Shane Filan of Westlife , Liam Gallagher , Hanson , David Draiman of Disturbed , Atmosphere , Paula Abdul , Jake Shears of
21646-596: Was a great friend with a wonderful open and fertile mind and a student of history and politics." Gibb worked on behalf of several charities. He was the organiser of the Sunseeker Ball in aid of the Outward Bound Trust. For the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), Gibb served as president from 2007 to 2012. He was also the longest serving president (2008–2011) of
21804-604: Was a standalone company with differing ownership and management), and through the late 1960s and early 1970s it rivalled and often surpassed the local market leader EMI . Hely built up a strong roster by cultivating Australian talent and establishing distribution deals with important local independent labels like Spin Records and Clarion Records in the 1960s and Mushroom Records in the 1970s. He also signed crucial distribution deals with major overseas labels like Island Records , Chrysalis Records , Arista Records and A&M Records which gave Festival exclusive Australian rights to
21962-453: Was almost like his heart was on the outside." John Travolta recalled, "I thought Robin was one of the most wonderful people, gifted, generous and a real friend to everyone he knew. And we'll miss him." Tim Rice described Gibb as "a charming man". Rice added: "I saw him only a couple of weeks ago. He wasn't at all well but was putting up a marvellous fight. It's a terrible loss for the music industry." Gibb's friend Cliff Richard said, "We are
22120-419: Was also a guest mentor on the Australian version of The X Factor , alongside TV host Kyle Sandilands , actress/singer Natalie Imbruglia , and singers Ronan Keating and Guy Sebastian . Also in 2010, Gibb toured in Australia with Bonnie Tyler as his supporting guest. Together they performed at Melbourne , Sydney, Brisbane and Perth . In September 2011, Gibb recorded the Bee Gees classic " I've Gotta Get
22278-577: Was also involved in promoting fund-raising for the memorial dedicated to RAF Bomber Command in Green Park , London. Gibb also wrote The Titanic Requiem with his son Robin-John, which was recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in 2012. Gibb continued to make television appearances and other events following his surgery, but in April 2011 he
22436-611: Was an Australian recording and publishing company founded in Sydney , Australia, in 1952 and operated until 2005. Festival was a subsidiary of News Limited from 1961 to 2005. The company was successful for most of its 50-year life, despite the fact that as much as 90% of its annual profit was regularly siphoned off by Rupert Murdoch to subsidise his other media ventures. Festival was established by one of Australia's first merchant banking companies, Mainguard, founded by entrepreneur and former Australian army officer Paul Cullen. Mainguard had
22594-524: Was co-written by Gibb with Barry. In February 1981, the Bee Gees returned to the studio and recorded Living Eyes , unlike the previous album, this album was not as successful. However, in subsequent years the Living Eyes album would become one of the most beloved of Bee Gee's albums by their diehard fans. Living Eyes was produced and published during a time when the Bee Gees were in litigation with their long-time manager Robert Stigwood, leaving them without
22752-401: Was delayed until 2004. With record sales estimated in excess of 200 million, the Bee Gees became one of the most successful pop groups of all time. Music historian Paul Gambaccini described Gibb as "one of the major figures in the history of British music" and "one of the best white soul voices ever" owing to his distinctive vibrato-laden soulful voice. From 2008 to 2011, Gibb was president of
22910-471: Was due to perform at the Poppy Appeal Concert in London. In November 2011, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer , which had metastasised to his liver several months earlier. In March 2012, Gibb was hospitalised for intestinal surgery and cancelled scheduled appearances while recovering. In April, however, he contracted pneumonia and fell into a coma, which he came out of later in April. He died in
23068-402: Was first announced at the end of December 2006, and is available to recipients of all levels of the order, as well as to holders of the British Empire Medal . The pin design is not unique to any level. The pin features the badge of the order, enclosed in a circle of ribbon of its colours of pink and grey. Lapel pins must be purchased separately by a member of the order. The creation of such a pin
23226-526: Was followed by another downloadable song titled "Wing and a Prayer", which shared the same name as a song from the 1989 One album. However, the new song was actually a reworking of the song, "Sing Slowly Sisters", that had remained unreleased since 1970. Later in December, Gibb issued another song, "Ellan Vannin (Home Coming Mix)", featuring the King William's College Choir from the Isle of Man. ("Ellan Vannin"
23384-618: Was forced by health problems to cancel his tour of Brazil. Another concert in Paris was cancelled in October 2011. On 14 October, Gibb was due to perform the charity single with the Soldiers , but was again rushed to hospital with severe abdominal pains. On 18 October, following his release from the hospital, Gibb appeared on ITV 's The Alan Titchmarsh Show looking gaunt and frail. On 27 October 2011, Gibb cancelled an appearance only minutes before he
23542-552: Was in 1960 on Desmond Tester 's Strictly for Moderns when they performed "Time Is Passing By". When they signed to Festival Records at the start of 1963 (but they were assigned to Leedon Records ) they released their debut single, " The Battle of the Blue and the Grey ". Their 1964 single " Claustrophobia " is notable for being the first song that features Gibb as an instrumentalist playing melodica. The first Bee Gees record on which he sang lead
23700-429: Was in dire financial straits. In October, FMR announced that its recorded music assets had been sold to Warner Music Australia . Festival Mushroom's offices in five cities were closed and 43 of the company's 54 remaining staff were retrenched, with eleven senior management, promotions and marketing staff moved into positions at Warner. The combined Festival Mushroom Records–Warner Bros. Records recording archive contains
23858-469: Was made a substantive member and subsequently styled as Sir Terry Wogan). Although initially intended to recognise meritorious service, the order began to also be awarded for gallantry. There were an increased number of cases in the Second World War for service personnel and civilians including the merchant navy, police, emergency services and civil defence, mostly MBEs but with a small number of OBEs and CBEs. Such awards were for gallantry that did not reach
24016-522: Was moved to a facility in Sussex on 31 July to continue his recuperation. The group, about to embark on its first US tour, cancelled four dates after Gibb had a relapse and flew back to England for additional rest. Gibb co-wrote " Only One Woman ", The Marbles ' debut single, which was a hit in several countries, especially in Europe and New Zealand. The Marbles were a British rock duo consisting of Graham Bonnet and Trevor Gordon. The Bee Gees' single " I Started
24174-547: Was never released until 2014. The song "Instant Love" was a collaboration with Gibb's son, Robin-John both having written the music and vocals. "Instant Love" featuring Robin-John on lead vocals appeared in a short film called Bloodtype: The Search in which Robin-John appeared. On 25 October 2008, to mark the 30th anniversary of the song "Saturday Night Fever" topping the UK charts, Gibb performed with special guests including Ronan Keating , Stephen Gateley , Sam Sparro , Sharleen Spiteri , Gabriella Climi and Bryn Christopher at
24332-512: Was only 19). The Bee Gees' last recording session with Robin was in February 1969. Gibb's last performance with the group was on The Tom Jones Show and Top of the Pops before leaving the group. On 19 March 1969, he announced that he was leaving the Bee Gees the same day as the band recorded " Tomorrow Tomorrow ", their first single without Robin. In his solo career, Gibb was initially successful with
24490-566: Was recommended in Sir Hayden Phillips ' review of the honours system in 2004. The Chapel of the Order of the British Empire is in St Paul's Cathedral . It occupies the far eastern end of the cathedral crypt and was dedicated in 1960. The only heraldic banners normally on display in the chapel are those of the Sovereign of the Order of the British Empire and of the Grand Master of the Order of
24648-720: Was released in May 2015 and contained Gibb's songs between 1969 and 1970 including demos of songs that were sung by the Bee Gees and the unreleased material from Sing Slowly Sisters . In 1994, Gibb was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland , Ohio, US, as a member of the Bee Gees. At
24806-457: Was replaced by disc jockey and former record store clerk Ken Taylor. Like Welch, Taylor did not like rock 'n' roll, but he was an astute spotter and marketer of new talent. Thanks to Taylor, Festival was the first local label to sign Australian rock 'n' roll acts, including Australia's "Big Three" acts of the 1950s: Johnny O'Keefe and the Dee Jays, Col Joye and the Joy Boys and Dig Richards and
24964-438: Was the older of the two by 35 minutes. Apart from Maurice, he had one sister, Lesley Evans, and two brothers, Barry and Andy . As children in Manchester , Gibb and his brothers began committing crimes such as petty burglary and arson. Their neighbour in Willaston, Isle of Man , Marie Beck, was a friend of his mother and her sister Peggy. Helen Kenney, another neighbour, was living in Douglas Head. As Kenney recalls, "Barry and
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