It’s been more than two and a half years since the world lost sometimes Aussie Robin Gibb. But Reprise/Warner/Rhino will soon pay tribute to the beloved Bee Gee with the release of 50 St. Catherine’s Drive, his final solo album.
This release isn’t just about the record company lining its pockets. It was lovingly compiled by Robin’s wife Dwina and son RJ who pieced together tracks polished between 2006 and 2008 and some rough recordings. Together they give a fascinating glimpse into this incredible performer gone too soon.
The album’s name is the address of the house where Robin was born on the Isle of Man, but his Australia isn’t forgotten here. The final track, “Sydney,” is the last song he ever recorded.
“Robin composed this late at night, in August 2011, at our home, The Prebendal. He used the bedroom keyboards and then Garageband on an I-Pad. He wished to finish this song in a studio with Barry, for a new album he hoped they would record together, but his health prevented this. He missed his twin brother Maurice who had passed away; but when he closed his eyes, the three young brothers were back in Sydney, Australia, happy together with their dreams and hopes for the future,” Dwina explained. “Their future creations of course affected the world. This fragment of song is poignant, wistful, beautiful and unfinished. It belongs on this album as one of his last works. He cried when he wrote it, and I wept when I heard it.”
50 St. Catherine’s Drive will hit stores on October 3.
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia