On Thursday 29th February, the life and career of Maurice Gibb CBE, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer will be celebrated by Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) with a set of eight postage stamps featuring images from one of the most accomplished and sought-after music photographers in the world, Guido Karp.
For only the second time in their 50 year history, IOMPO will issue a postal tribute on the 29th February. This makes the First Day Cover a rare collectible with its first day of issue stamp marked for 29.02.2024.
Maurice Gibb CBE, who sadly passed away in 2003, was born on 22nd December 1949 in Douglas on the Isle of Man, as the younger fraternal twin to Robin Gibb and younger brother to Sir Barry Gibb, with whom he founded one of the most successful pop-rock groups of all time, the Bee Gees.
Maurice Gibb CBE played a pivotal role in the group's success as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. His intricate keyboard work and harmonies contributed significantly to the Bee Gees' distinctive sound. Maurice, with his affable demeanour, was the glue that bound the trio. The Bee Gees' unparalleled success in the disco era, marked by hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "How Deep Is Your Love," solidified their status as music legends, forever etching Maurice's legacy in musical history.
Outside the Bee Gees, Maurice Gibb showcased versatility in his musical career. He collaborated with diverse artists, produced albums for others, and even pursued solo projects. Maurice's contributions extended beyond performance, revealing his prowess as a songwriter and producer, making a lasting impact on the industry beyond the iconic Bee Gees sound.
In accordance with the families’ wishes, the stamps will support and help to raise awareness for Nordoff and Robbins, a charity dedicated to investigating the impact that music therapy can have for those affected by life–limiting illness, isolation or disability.
His son, Adam Gibb, said: “My dad has always been very proud of his Manx roots and it is an honour that his life and career are now commemorated with this wonderful set of stamps. I’m sure he would be delighted with the collection and we are grateful that the collection will support Nordoff and Robbins, a charity that was very close to my dad and his brothers.”
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Guido Karp with Maurice Gibb CBE stamps at Bee Gees star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (c) Gerd Ludwig.
Guido Karp, photographer said: “I loved working with them and we had a real bond. Their kindness and music made a huge impression on me. I captured my last photo with the band in 2001. Losing Maurice was such a blow to the world. The Bee Gees hold a special place for me both professionally and personally. Maurice’s untimely death in 2003 left behind a legacy of much loved music and memories and I am honoured to see my images reproduced in this postal tribute.”
Explaining the decision for the tribute to Maurice Gibb, Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “It is a great pleasure to pay tribute to Maurice Gibb CBE. Guido Karp’s stunning images, recording engineer John Merchant’s insights and working closely with the family and Adam in particular, has made this postal tribute a very enjoyable experience. We are very grateful for all the support we have received and very proud of the final results.”
The images on the stamps and additional products were captured by world renowned music photographer Guido Karp during the 1991 ‘High Civilization World Tour’, which was the Bee Gees’ tenth concert tour in support of their nineteenth studio album ‘High Civilization’. Karp has also contributed to the issue text along with recording engineer John Merchant, who worked with the Bee Gees on a number of their hit albums, including ‘High Civilisation’.
The collection will be available as Set, Sheet Set, Presentation Pack (limited to 2500) and First Day Cover (limited to 3000). Additional products available to purchase include a self-adhesive set, a self-adhesive First Day Cover, a Sheetlet, a limited edition Imperforate Sheetlet (1000) as well as a Collectors Pack, combining First Day Cover, Presentation Pack and the regular Sheetlet. The collection is available to view at www.iompost.com/MauriceGibb.