Teen Machine July 1978:
Andy talks about growing up
with the Bee GeesAndy is a straightforward kind of guy. He's into many things. He is a musician. He is a brother, a son and an uncle. He's friendly and lovable. And he likes to talk about himself.
Andy, How do you feel about your sudden success?
"I am aware that I wouldn't have made my first record if the Bee Gees weren't my brothers. But I have been into music since I was thirteen. I really worked for this and it's all so exciting."
Where do you go from here?
"I still need a year or two to get really known in America. But I'm gaining a lot of support from my fans. I want to continue growing as a musician, then maybe I'll go into producing."
What about those rumors that you may make a movie for Robert "Saturday Night Fever" Stigwood?
"Well, there was some talk, but nothing serious. I have a lot of other things I want to do first."
What do you like best about your career?
"I love performing. I like working in the studio, too, 'cause there's so much you can do in there technically. But I live for performing."
You left school at thirteen, right?
"Yes, everybody said I'd regret leaving school so young, but there was nothing else I would rather have done."
Are you close to your family?
"Yes. They've helped me a lot in my career. Especially Barry. He has steered me in the right direction and helped me a great deal. Everyone needs an older brother."
How about family life. Are you into it?
"Very much. My family lives very close to me in Florida. Within a few miles, in fact."
Why do you live in Florida?
"I love all that sunshine. And I love water sports, swimming, boating, sailing. I'm really into fishing, too. There's a saying in my family. 'If you can't find Andy, he's out fishing.'"
You have a houseboat, right?
"No, I sold it a while back. Now I just rent a house. It makes things easier that way since I move around so much."
You've lived all over the world, haven't you?
"I have lived in Australia, in England, where I was born, on an island off the coast of Spain, and even in Bermuda for a bit."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I'm an at-home man. I like relaxing in front of the television."
If you weren't in show business, what else would you be doing? "I can't see myself doing anything else. I grew up surrounded by music I wouldn't be Andy Gibb."
What kind of music do you like?
"I really enjoy melody and good lyrics. Old fashioned ballads are wonderful, and will always be around."
I know you just went through a divorce. Is there a romance in your future?
"Someday I'd like to get married and have kids. I'm a family man at heart. But right now I want to concentrate on my career. It takes a lot of work, you know."
What was it like growing up with the famous Bee Gees?
"It was great. I used to go on their concert tours with them and watch them from behind the stage. I knew I wanted to do that some day, be up there, singing. Barry gave ma my first guitar, and my second one. He taught me how to tune and how to play. I learned a lot from my whole family about the business."
