At 79 years old, Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the Bee Gees, is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to passion, artistry, and music. On the eve of his much-anticipated performance at the Fox Theatre in Detroit tomorrow night, Sept. 13, Gibb opened up in an interview with Gary Graff of The Oakland Press about the remarkable endurance of musicians who have shaped the soundtrack of multiple generations.
“I mean, listen, none of us imagined at 20 that we’d still be singing, writing, and performing with this much fire in our 70s,” Gibb reflected, his voice carrying both humility and awe. “And then I look at Mick (Jagger), Keith (Richards), Paul McCartney … and Tony Bennett and B.B. (King) before them. There’s no sign of slowing down, either artistically or energetically. We all got the message that if we were fortunate enough to look after ourselves … we could keep doing this.”
For Gibb, that fire is not just about survival — it’s about purpose. Having endured the devastating loss of his brothers and bandmates — Maurice in 2003, Robin in 2012, and Andy in 1988 — Barry has become the torchbearer of the Bee Gees’ unparalleled legacy. Songs like Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, and To Love Somebody remain cultural touchstones, beloved by fans across continents and decades. Yet for Gibb, continuing to perform is also a way to honor the harmony that once defined his family.
Detroit, known for its own deep musical heritage, is a fitting place for such a reflection. The city that gave the world Motown has long been a stop for artists whose music has endured beyond trends and eras. For Gibb, tomorrow night’s concert is more than just another show on the schedule — it’s another chance to connect, to breathe life into songs that remain as relevant today as when they first topped the charts.
His words also strike a universal chord in a music industry often obsessed with youth and novelty. Gibb’s acknowledgment of contemporaries like Jagger, Richards, and McCartney highlights a broader truth: longevity in music is not about chasing the next big hit, but about cultivating resilience, passion, and a willingness to keep creating, regardless of age.
And if Tony Bennett and B.B. King are any indication, Barry Gibb is far from finished. His artistry has never been about fading into nostalgia; it has been about evolving, adapting, and channeling life’s joys and sorrows into melody. Fans attending the Fox Theatre can expect not just a concert, but a celebration of survival, legacy, and the enduring power of music to defy time.
For Barry Gibb, tomorrow’s performance is another milestone in a journey that began on the streets of Manchester and in the sunshine of Australia before reaching the world’s grandest stages. At nearly eight decades of life, his voice still carries the same fire — proof that when music comes from the heart, it doesn’t age, it only deepens.