Very few fans know that in 1969, the Bee Gees quietly broke up — and even more shocking, Barry Gibb, the band’s frontman and eldest brother, was essentially forced to leave the group he co-founded.
After the massive success of their double album Odessa, tensions began to rise. Robin Gibb wanted to explore a more orchestral, ballad-driven direction, while Barry preferred a polished pop sound. When Barry’s voice was chosen as lead on the single First of May, Robin felt sidelined — and quit the group in protest.
That sudden exit split the group down the middle.
A short time later, Barry also announced he was leaving Bee Gees to go solo, releasing I’ll Kiss Your Memory. Maurice was caught in the middle — trying to hold the group together, but powerless to stop the implosion.
At the time, the media was largely kept in the dark. The brothers denied any permanent breakup, but behind the scenes, they each pursued solo projects. It wasn’t until 1970, after none of their solo efforts gained major traction, that they reconciled and reunited.
Barry would later describe their reunion as a “life-saving moment” — not just for their careers, but for their family.
Even so, many fans believe that this period left a lasting scar on the trio’s bond. Yet ironically, that fracture may have been exactly what they needed. It was after the reunion that Bee Gees reinvented themselves — creating a second golden era with Main Course and their disco-defining hit Jive Talkin’.