THE BEE-GEES, an international pop group, were formed in Australia in 1958 by the English-born Gibb brothers, Barry, Robin and Maurice. They were a global sensation in the 1960s through to the 80s. Interestingly, they were originally called the Rattlesnakes. They sold more than 220 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. They wrote all of their own hits, as well as writing and producing several major hits for other artists.

From 1963 to 1966 the Gibb family lived at 171 Bunnerong Road, Maroubra in Sydney.

Three Bee Gees’ singles, “How Deep Is Your Love” (US No. 1, UK No. 3), “Stayin’ Alive” (US No. 1, UK No. 4) and “Night Fever” (US No. 1, UK No. 1) helped prolong the most popular period of the disco era.

Today, Barry is the only surviving member.

When in Sydney they were interviewed by Ian “Molly” Meldrum at the former Chevron Hotel, Australia’s newest, most glamourous hotel, now the Ikon Apartments, 81 Macleay Street, Potts Point.

Construction of the Chevron Hotel began in 1959, and the hotel opened as the Chevron-Hilton in September 1960. In spite of its reputation as Sydney’s first international hotel, the Chevron was criticised by architect, Robin Boyd, in his book, The Australian Ugliness, for having six different wall treatments across its two buildings. The Chevron Hotel was demolished in 1985. It was replaced with the Nikko, which then became the Park Royal and later the Ikon Apartments. Originally designed to be thirty-five storeys its height was reduced for financial reasons.

The Chevron was a classy hotel which drew bejewelled, fur-clad ladies to hear the great stars of the day such as Englebert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett or Sergio Mendes.

The Bee Gees were interviewed in a suite there in 1971. They were described as “genius” and “everlasting” by their peers: their music still lives on.

Hear and see more of their story at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql07TxHE72g

The accompanying picture is from The Chevron Hotel 1971. Ian “Molly” Meldrum (right) interviews Barry Gibb (left), wearing a polo-necked jumper, picks out a new tune on his guitar. Mr Josephs, band manager, watches on in towelling robe. Unknown person on couch. “Molly was asking a lot of questions and name-dropping,” said the photographer.

By Andrew Woodhouse, Director, Heritage Solutions