Bee Gees star Barry Gibb receives Knighthood
Bee Gees star Sir Barry Gibb says he hopes his late brothers are proud as he collected his knighthood.
The 71-year-old’s moving tribute to his twin brothers Maurice and Robin came as he collected his award from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in London.
Sir Barry, the last surviving member of the chart-topping disco pop group, said: “If it was not for my brothers, I would not be here.
“If I had spent my whole life writing songs on my own, it would have meant something else altogether.
“I hope and pray that they are aware of what has happened and that they are proud. I believe in that.”
He said there is “no question” he would have loved to have shared this special day with his brothers.
The singer, songwriter and record producer was honoured for his services to music and charity.
Maurice Gibb died from complications following an operation to correct an intestinal blockage in 2003.
Robin Gibb, who had a lengthy battle with cancer, died in 2012.
As the Bee Gees, the brothers were one of the most commercially successful bands of all time, with hits including Massachusetts, Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, Jive Talkin, How Deep Is Your Love, Words, Tragedy and You Win Again.
Sir Barry said he is still trying to get used to his new title, which he is finding “a bit surreal”.
“It is a high award that your culture can give you and that is something I am enormously proud of.”
Sir Barry was born on the Isle of Man before his family moved to Manchester and later Australia where he grew up during the late 1950s and early 1960s, living in Queensland.
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