Maurice Gibb, one third of the immortal band The Bee Gees, died today after a heart attack.

What can I say?

There is something awfully final about one third of a phenomenon dying. In a way, it is as bad as when John Lennon died – you know that while other members of the band may live on, you know that they can never be “them” again without one member missing permanently.

I remember listening to a Bee Gees collection tape in Jaikishan and Jayanthi’s house in Belgaum in the late 70s and early 80s, and playing “Tragedy” in college. I blew my mind on the “Spirits having flown” album. While most people probably remember the Bee Gees for “Saturday Night Fever”, they should really be remembered for their non-”thump thump” material, such as “Too Much heaven” and “How deep is your love”.

Goodbye, Maurice. People may not recall hearing your voice, but they sure felt it.

I never fell in love so easily
Where the four winds blow I carry on
I’d like to take you where my spirit flys
Through the empty skys
We go alone never before having flown

–”Spirits Having Flown”, The Bee Gees

Nobody gets too much heaven no more
It’s much harder to come by
I’m waiting in line
Nobody gets too much love anymore
It’s as high as a mountain
And harder to climb

–”Too Much Heaven”, The Bee Gees