Sir Barry Gibb KNIGHTED: Bee Gees star honoured by Prince Charles ‘Hope they are proud’
SIR BARRY GIBB paid a tribute to his late twin brothers Maurice and Robin as he collected his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace today.
The 71-year-old singer and songwriter was honoured for his services to music and charity, having been a member of the Bee Gees, formed with his brothers in 1958.
Sir Barry paid a tribute to his late siblings in a moving speech.
He said: “If it was not for my brothers, I would not be here.
"If I had spent my whole life writing songs on my own, it would have meant something else altogether.
“I hope and pray that they are aware of what has happened and that they are proud. I believe in that."
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If it was not for my brothers, I would not be here.
Barry also admitted he would’ve loved to have shared the special moment with his siblings.
His brother Maurice Gibb died from complications following an operation to correct an intestinal blockage in 2003.
Their sibling Robin Gibb died nine years later following a battle with cancer.
The trio had a series of chart-topping hits including Night Fever, Stayin Alive, Jive Talkin and How Deep Is Your Love.
Aside from their own vocals, they were also famous for writing hit records for other artists including Barbra Streisand.
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They were behind Barbara’s tracks Guilty and Woman In Love as well as Diana Ross’ Chain Reaction.
Barry continued: “Working with Barbra Streisand and different artists has always been special for me.
"I love to write for people. It is not just thinking, 'Oh, I will write a song today' but then when someone you admire asks you to write a song that is special motivation."
Speaking of his family’s success, he added: “I think being relentless had a lot to do with it. When you are a kid and you make up your mind to do something.
"You have got to have failure with a lot of success and I think that is what keeps you grounded."
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Amid collecting his prestigious award, he also revealed his new title felt “surreal”.
He divulged: “It is a high award that your culture can give you and that is something I am enormously proud of."
Barry was supported at Buckingham Palace by his wife Linda Gray and three of their children Michael, Alexandra and Ashley.
The singer wore a navy suit, paired with a light blue tie.
His wife opted for a a white dress, accompanied with a matching jacket and cream heels.