This is an apology of sorts because I know I've been far too quick to judge you.
I am one of those 'oldies' who shake my head every time you teens and 20s cause a violent riot to quickly ignite or a rave party of thousands to mushroom just by sending a few text messages around to your friends.
And I always roll my eyes and consider you pathetic when I see you screaming, fainting and scratching each others' eyes out to get your hands on one of Simon Cowell's
latest manufactured pop sensations, like One Direction. I mean seriously, didn’t this
band shoot to fame overnight based on phone votes and
cute hairstyles?I am one of those 'oldies' who shake my head every time you teens and 20s cause a violent riot to quickly ignite or a rave party of thousands to mushroom just by sending a few text messages around to your friends.
But all that was last month.
This month I've changed my tune and now have more sympathy for you.
This month I've changed my tune and now have more sympathy for you.
Because I
now know where you all get your bloody pathetic and stupid behaviour from.
Two weeks ago the gorgeous
home grown legend Barry Gibb, the only surviving Bee Gee, and the second most successful songwriter in history (Paul McCartney being first) was in town for the unveiling of a statue of the young Gibb
brothers and the opening of a themed walkway dedicated to the band in Redcliffe, QLD.
It was very much a Gibb family affair; a reunion of the Gibbs young and old (his mother is 93), with special thoughts for the brothers no longer with them.
The event was also about acknowledging Redcliffe, the seaside town northeast of Brisbane that the Gibb family migrated from England to, and which Barry Gibb described as their "paradise".
"We wouldn't be here without Redcliffe," Barry told the crowds. "This was our environment, this was where the music was born."
I’ve always loved the Bee Gees - well since their second coming in the 70s anyway. Theirs was my very first album and Barry made my heart flutter. Seriously, look at him - Harry Styles has nothing on him.
But of course now at 66 he is old enough to be your grandfather. Imagine.
Barry’s appearance attracted big crowds. There were thousands
of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of him and many lined up
overnight in the rain to get a good position - no mean feat for
people whose average age was probably 60.
However, as the day wore on I witnessed something extraordinary. Senior citizens started to morph into screaming
teenagers. They were yelling, crying, laughing hysterically, taking photos on their phones and texting their mates. They
did everything they could to manoeuvre themselves to the front of the crowd and
to see their idol up close.
Nothing was an obstacle for them. They pushed babies and strollers out of the way in their quest for a touch or autograph. They were armed and dangerous. No, not with shoes or flares like you guys use. They used walking sticks, zimmer frames and wheelchairs without much thought for other people's limbs, to make a path through the maddening crowd.
Nothing was an obstacle for them. They pushed babies and strollers out of the way in their quest for a touch or autograph. They were armed and dangerous. No, not with shoes or flares like you guys use. They used walking sticks, zimmer frames and wheelchairs without much thought for other people's limbs, to make a path through the maddening crowd.
It was an eye opener.
There was one woman dressed up in a garish Gibb hat any 5 year old may be proud to wear who pushed past me muttering that she had spent the night waiting in the rain. As she shoved me hard in the ribs in an effort to get past me she said, "I've been a Bee Gees fan forever. I'm going to kill for an autograph today!"
There was one woman dressed up in a garish Gibb hat any 5 year old may be proud to wear who pushed past me muttering that she had spent the night waiting in the rain. As she shoved me hard in the ribs in an effort to get past me she said, "I've been a Bee Gees fan forever. I'm going to kill for an autograph today!"
And I truly believe she
meant it.
Thankfully, when I was just about to use my elbow in a self protective move, the Gibb tune Staying Alive popped into my head and I quickly moved out of her way.
Thankfully, when I was just about to use my elbow in a self protective move, the Gibb tune Staying Alive popped into my head and I quickly moved out of her way.
Now I know who taught you kids everything you know.
The generations that came before you.
So I'm taking back all the eye rolling and negative comments.
Although, in saying that I do still have one question for you, How Deep is Your Love? Really.
Because I can
comfortably predict that none of you will be fighting over One Direction in 50
years time.....no, seriously, they are nothing like our Barry....and the Bee
Gees. Nothing at all.
'Bee Gees Way' overlooks the Redcliffe Jetty and foreshore between Redcliffe Parade and Sutton St. Brisbane.