Maurice Gibb biography

Final Years

A recovering alcoholic, Gibb suffered a relapse after the death of his youngest brother in 1988. Andy Gibb had enjoyed great success as a solo artist, but he had problems with drug and alcohol abuse, which contributed to his death. It took Maurice some time to tame his own demons. In 1991, he threatened his second wife, Yvonne,

and their two children with a gun. The chilling incident led Gibb to recommit himself to sobriety.

Gibb continued to work with his brothers as the Bee Gees despite their waning popularity. They enjoyed some success overseas with such albums as E.S.P. (1987) and One (1989). In 1997, the Bee Gees reached an important career pinnacle when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This Is Where I Came In (2001) proved to be the Bee Gees's last album together. In early January 2003, Gibb was at his Florida home when he started experiencing abdominal pain. He went to the hospital to have surgery to remove an intestinal blockage, but he had a heart attack before the procedure. Despite his heart problem, the doctors decided to proceed with the operation. Gibb died on January 12 at a Miami Beach hospital. His family ordered an investigation into Gibb's medical case, concerned over possible malpractice in the matter.

After his death, his surviving brothers decided to retire the Bee Gees name. Nearly 200 people, including Michael Jackson, attended his funeral. Gibb and his brother Barry had been working on a project with Jackson in the weeks before his death. Friends and family remembered Gibb for his outgoing personality, good sense of humor and musical versatility.

To the world at large, Gibb has been remembered as part of an impressive pop music phenomenon. Gibb and his brothers sold more than 100 million records during their career, securing their place in music history.

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