Maurice Ernest Gibb was born in Douglas on 22 December 1949, arriving 35 minutes after his fraternal twin, Robin. A multi-instrumentalist and composer, he became a central figure in the success of the Bee Gees. Over a career spanning five decades, he contributed significantly to the evolution of pop and rock music through vocal harmony, guitar, and bass work.
Early Career and The Rattlesnakes
In 1955, the family moved to Manchester, England. That same year, Gibb began his musical career by joining a skiffle and rock-and-roll group called the Rattlesnakes alongside his brothers and neighbours Paul Frost and Kenny Horrocks. A notable performance occurred at a local Gaumont cinema in December 1957, where the group sang live after an accidental breakage of a record they intended to accompany.
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The family emigrated to Redcliffe, Queensland, in 1958. Shortly after relocating to Australia, he and his brothers formed the Bee Gees. By 1963, they were based in Sydney. Gibb made his debut as an instrumentalist on the 1964 track Claustrophobia. By 1966, he had established his role as the band's guitarist and bassist, contributing to their second album, Spicks and Specks.
International Success and Side Projects
Upon returning to England, the band gained global prominence. Their 1967 album Bee Gees' 1st earned critical acclaim, featuring Gibb's Mellotron use on Every Christian Lion Hearted Man Will Show You. During a temporary group breakup in 1969, he formed a supergroup called The Fut, recording Have You Heard the Word. He also pursued solo work, releasing the single Railroad in 1970.
Final Years and Honours
In 2001, Gibb was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to music. He died on 12 January 2003 in Miami Beach, Florida. Following his death, his son collected the CBE award at Buckingham Palace on his behalf in 2004.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 December 1949, Douglas
- Died: 12 January 2003, Miami Beach
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Occupations: Composer, singer, record producer, musician, guitarist
- Member of: Bee Gees, The Bloomfields, The Fut
- Awards: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2001)
Questions readers ask
Did Maurice Gibb record solo material?
Yes. He released the single Railroad in 1970, though his debut solo album, The Loner, was never officially released.
What bands was Maurice Gibb a member of?
He was a member of the Bee Gees, The Fut, and The Rattlesnakes.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2001
- Instruments: bass guitar, guitar and piano
- Genres: pop music, rock music and disco
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