THE PROJECT THAT NEVER WAS: Inside Robin Gibb’s Unfinished Tribute to Maurice
It was meant to be a celebration of legacy. A tribute wrapped in harmony, grief, and love. But what began in 2003 as a deeply personal mission by Robin Gibb to honor his twin brother Maurice—just months after his passing—slowly faded into silence, never reaching the audience it was built for.
A Vision Born from Grief
Robin’s concept for the project was ambitious: a multi-artist tribute album, featuring him and Barry performing alongside major names like Babyface, Jagged Edge, Sheryl Crow, and others. It wasn’t just about Maurice’s memory—it was about showcasing his immense contribution to the Bee Gees’ sound, often overshadowed by Robin and Barry’s spotlight.
“This album is a tribute album in honor of Maurice—his life, his work with the Bee Gees,” Robin explained. “Me and Barry would sing with many of the key artists doing our songs.”
It was a promise to Maurice. One Robin was determined to keep.
The Artists Answer the Call
The energy was electric. Robin, deeply moved, watched in awe as respected artists poured their hearts into songs like How Deep Is Your Love. Babyface took the lead in production, describing the Bee Gees as the blueprint of who he aspired to be: “That kind of writer, performer—people who do it all.”
Jagged Edge’s rendition of How Deep Is Your Love was described by Robin as “fantastic even before recording.” Sheryl Crow, too, was excited and honored to take part in honoring a legacy she admired.
A Moment of Silence
But behind the creative momentum was a quiet rift. Robin, passionate and forward-looking, processed Maurice’s death with movement and music. Barry, however, struggled with the thought of continuing the Bee Gees legacy without his younger brother.
During one pivotal studio session, Babyface received a call from Barry. The mood changed instantly. “He was retracting his blessing from the project,” the source recalls. “He wanted all activity to cease.”
Robin didn’t show up that night. The session ended with a heavy silence that echoed far beyond the studio walls.
Unity over Music
Technically, Robin could have continued the project. The recorded songs could have been released. But he didn’t. Instead, he chose unity—with his brother—over music.
“In the end, Robin stepped away,” the insider shares. “He prioritized his bond with Barry over everything else.”
A Lost Legacy, A Lasting Impact
The tribute album was never finished. The TV show Robin had in development also lost momentum. And soon after, Robin himself would fall silent. When he passed in 2012, the project’s unrealized potential became one more layer of grief for fans who had hoped to hear Maurice celebrated the way Robin dreamed.
Yet what remains is poignant: a glimpse into Robin’s heart, a handful of recordings, and the memory of a brother who loved deeply, grieved openly, and believed in the power of music to heal.
“You don’t put things off,” Robin said. “You just go on and enjoy life… because this is all we’ve got—the moment.”