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Think about having a dinner party where you have to tell your older brothers, “Sorry, guys, I just kicked you off the top of the world!” Well, you don’t have to imagine because Andy Gibb (the youngest brother of the Bee Gees) did that with the Bee Gees!
In 1978, the music world belonged to one family: The Gibbs.
The three older brothers, Maurice, Robin, and Barry, were the kings of disco. Their song “Stayin’ Alive” was a monster hit, topping the charts for 4 weeks straight! It was the song everyone was dancing to, and it seemed like nothing could stop it.
Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Official Music Video)
But then, a new challenger appeared… their own baby brother, Andy Gibb! Andy was only 19. He wasn’t officially in the Bee Gees, but he had the same talent and the same famous hair.
In 1978, just one day before his 20th birthday, Andy’s song “(Love Is) Thicker Than Water” did the impossible. It knocked “Stayin’ Alive” right out of the #1 spot!
The funniest part? The rivalry was actually a family team effort. Barry Gibb (the leader of the Bee Gees) was the one who wrote Andy’s hit!
Andy Gibb – Love Is Thicker Than Water
Barry was so talented that he was actually competing against himself. Stayin’ Alive: A legendary dance anthem that stayed on the charts for months. Thicker Than Water: A smooth, dreamy song that proved Andy was a solo superstar. Because of these two songs, Barry became the only person in history to write four #1 hits in a row!
Even though Andy’s time in the spotlight was short, he made history. He was the first solo artist ever to have his first three songs all go to Number 1. He proved that even if you are the youngest, you can still be the loudest voice in the room.
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