Sir Barry Gibb Says No to Tinsel: Why the Bee Gees Never Released a Christmas Album
The Bee Gees, known for their disco anthems and soulful ballads, are a staple on many playlists. But there’s one genre noticeably absent from their discography: Christmas music. Now, the last surviving Bee Gee, Sir Barry Gibb, has shed light on why the brothers Gibb never donned Santa hats and belted out festive tunes.
In a recent interview with BBC News, Gibb revealed his belief that modern Christmas music has become more about marketing than merriment. “We’ve always avoided it,” he stated. “I think it was appropriate maybe 50 years ago. These days I think it’s too much of a marketing trick.”
This aversion to the commercial side of Christmas music didn’t stop Gibb’s late brother, Robin. Robin Gibb released a solo Christmas album, “My Favourite Christmas Carols,” in 2006, though Barry clarified he wasn’t involved in its creation.
The closest the Bee Gees ever came to a Christmas song was their 1968 track “First of May.” While the opening line mentions “Christmas trees,” the song is more focused on themes of nostalgia and longing. There was also a rare “Fan Club Only” single released during the holidays in 1978, but details on that track remain scarce.
While fans might never get a full-fledged Bee Gees Christmas album, Gibb’s comments offer a glimpse into the band’s artistic integrity. They prioritized creating music that resonated with them on a deeper level, rather than chasing trends or holiday cheer for commercial gain.
