Barry Gibb at the O2

You may not recognise the name Barry Gibb as a solo act, but the names Maurice and Robin, flared pants and disco balls are likely to be more familiar – the Gibb brothers formed the legendary 1970s trio we know as the Bee Gees. Their unique look, Barry’s trademark falsetto and their catchy RnB hooks made them a massive success with hits Tragedy, How Deep Is Your Love and Night Fever – made for disco dancing.

Barry Gibb is the last surviving member of the groovy trio, and performed last tonight at the O2 on his Mythology tour in tribute to his brothers. Thousands are gathered, hailing from across the world to see the singer. Gibb’s ability to command his audience is immediately apparent – his words mesmerise and silence the crowd, his charming anecdotes echoing about the place.

The massive hit You Should Be Dancing begins the night in earnest, and has everybody up dancing, straining to sing along with Gibb’s effortless falsetto vocals. He still sounds exactly as he did in the 70s! This is followed with acoustic performances of New York Mining Disaster and Run to Me. Gibb’s guitar work is faultless, and he’s accompanied by his niece Sammy who offers an impressive solo performance of If I Can’t Have You. Keeping it in the family, Barry introduces his eldest son, Steven, who joins him for a haunting performance of Every Christian Lion-Hearted Man.

The late Robin Gibb is projected on the screen, singing I Started a Joke, and everyone is on their feet, teary-eyed and waving glowsticks. Further projections appear of the brothers in silver suits at the UNICEF concert, at which Barry chuckles: “Look at the state of them. I miss them every day.” The moving tribute touches every heart in the O2.

Without warning, the most enormous disco ball anyone has ever seen emerges from the ceiling and everyone in the room is on a nostalgia trip, disco dancing along to Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever and More Than a Woman. This is a night nobody will ever forget, and a spectacular tribute to the Bee Gee’s brothers who’ll no doubt go down in history.

Gemma Whitfield

For further information and future events visit Barry Gibb’s website here.

Watch the video for Stayin’ Alive here: