It’s easy to dismiss the Bee Gees as gimmicky disco relics in shimmery attire.
But this doc makes a convincing case that Barry, Robin, and Maurice are legit contenders for the pop music GOAT title.
The stats are there: The Bee Gees sold 220 million albums.
Fun Fact: Barry Gibb, alone, is second only to Paul McCartney in most popular songwriters of all time, according to Guinness
Trailer for “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Watch “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
You can stream “The Bee Gees” on HBO’s Max at https://play.max.com/movie/342e4ed0-6f80-4951-a3f1-c7f9dfeafdd4
If it’s not on HBO Max, check here for the latest streaming options: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-bee-gees-how-can-you-mend-a-broken-heart
Ratings:
- My Rating: 96 /100
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 93/100 (Users); 96/100 (Critics)
Review of “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Frank Marshall’s 2020 documentary “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is a tribute to one of music’s most underappreciated dynasties.
In just 111 minutes, this wonder of a doc makes a compelling case for the Bee Gees as legit contenders for the pop music GOAT title.
Marshall (“Seabiscuit’) takes us on a wild ride through the brothers’ career, from their early ’60s successes to their record-shattering disco dominance in the ’70s and their later reinvention as adult contemporary crooners.
The Bee Gees, at one point, had half of the top 10 songs with their soundtrack Saturday Night Fever.
It was total disco dominance.
And it wasn’t luck — the Brothers Gibb had a special sound:
“When you’ve got the brothers singing, it’s like an instrument no one else can buy.”
— Noel Gallagher (English singer)
But they didn’t want to be pigeon-holed as just disco (and good thing: disco soon goes out of favor).
The Bee Gees rebound as writers for other performers.
Their soon cranking out hit songs for Barbara Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross and Celine Dionne.
That’s the little secret in the music trade: many of the biggest singers don’t write their own music.
Barry Gibb has 220 million albums in sales, according to Guinness, second only to Paul McCartney.
I’m not sure that anyone other than Taylor Swift has done that.
But it’s not just a highlight reel.
Marshall also delves into the brothers’ personal struggles, feuds, and heartbreaks, including the untimely passings of Andy in 1988 and Maurice in 2003.
In 1988, The Bee Gees invite younger brother Andy Gibb to join their trio.
Andy dies later that year of a heart attack related to drug addiction.
Brother Maurice Gibb dedicates his life to sobriety because of Andy’s death.
Barry Gibb, the oldest brother, is now the sole survivor.
Powerful quote from Barry Gibb:
“I’d rather have them (my brothers) back here with me with no hits at all.”
Barry Gibb
The doc makes a strong argument that the Bee Gees deserve a spot on pop music’s Mount Rushmore.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly
Chief Maniac, Daily Doc