Barry's Song Got the A-Side, Robin's Got the B-Side — Then the Bee Gees Split

In January 1969, the Bee Gees released "First of May," a quiet ballad sung by Barry Gibb. On the other side of the record was "Lamplight," sung by Robin Gibb. Both songs were written by all three brothers, but only one could be the A-side, and that choice went to the song Barry sang. Two months later, Robin walked away from the group, and by the end of the year the Bee Gees no longer existed. In this RetroWaves documentary, we trace the real story behind the split, using the brothers' own words and the documented record. We look at the making of Odessa, the ambitious double album where the tension began, and at how "First of May" grew from a simple piano demo recorded in New York. We examine who actually decided which song went on the front of the single, and why the accounts differ. Then the story turns. A solo recording Robin made before he announced his departure. Maurice quietly playing on it. The lawsuits, a fired drummer, more than a hundred songs recorded and almost none released. And finally, the afternoon in 1970 when Barry and Robin sat down together and wrote "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart," the song that brought the brothers back and became their first number one in America. This is a story about brotherhood, pride, and what three voices could only do together. If these hidden stories move you, subscribe to RetroWaves for more. #BeeGees #BarryGibb #RobinGibb #MauriceGibb #RetroWaves