Back in the day when this pop group was known by their nicknames Bodding, Basser, and Woggie, Redcliffe’s Bee Gees Way was only a dream.
Redcliffe’s tribute to the brother Gibb is a reminder that these famous songstress grew up in the beautiful environment of Brisbane’s bayside enjoying the sort of outdoor lifestyle that we all dream about giving our kids.
Sir Barry Gibb visited the outdoor exhibition honouring the Bee Gees’ musical success in 2015 and reminisced about his idyllic childhood, swimming every morning off the dock, diving for pennies from Redcliffe Pier and playing on the beach on warm summer nights.
More about the Bee Gees
- Growing up in Redcliffe
- Sir Barry Gibb’s visit
- Enjoy the light show
- Where to find it
Growing up in Redcliffe
The brothers Gibb lived at Redcliffe after emigrating from Manchester in England during the late 1950s. Barry, Robin and Maurice started their musical career playing off the back of a truck at Redcliffe Speedway during the intervals when Barry was just 14 years old.
In 1958 the Bee Gees signed their first record contract while sitting around their family’s kitchen table in Redcliffe. They went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time selling more than 200 million records.
Redcliffe has celebrated their most famous sons with a Bee Gees laneway. There is a 70-metre mural incorporating the faces of Barry, Robin, Maurice and Andy Gibb along with life-size statues of the group. One shows the young boys as youngsters while the other two-metre-tall statue highlights the peak of their musical success during the “One Night Only” era.
Sir Barry loved the Bee Gees Way
Sir Barry’s reminisces about the early days can be heard interspersed with music as you walk through the display which includes more than 70 captioned photos and album covers. Strolling the laneway while listening to their music and Sir Barry’s voice is a real treat.
I grew up as a Bee Gees fan spurred by my family’s connection with the boys. My uncle sold them their first guitars and my grandfather made cases for them. I still have an autographed album cover somewhere, I hope!
When their Saturday Night Fever album came out, I thought it would be a success, and I was right. It remains the best-selling soundtrack of all time. Over 45 million copies have been sold, and it stayed on top of the album charts for 24 weeks straight.
The lightshow
Throughout the evening, every half hour from 7 pm to 9.30 pm, there is a light show set to the Bee Gee’s music.
These three kids from Cribb Island really made it to the big time, but Redcliffe’s Bee Gees Way is gold to fans as they can relive the life and times of Barry, Robin and Maurice.
Where is the Bee Gees Way?
The laneway runs between Redcliffe Parade and Sutton Street, Redcliffe.
Find out more about the Bee Gees Way.
Redcliffe is also a departure point for whale watching in Moreton Bay. It is a great day out on the water.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK visited Redcliffe as a guest to check out the new Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach Hotel
