The Early Years
He was born Andrew Roy Gibb in Manchester, England, to Hugh and Barbara Gibb. His family immigrated to Australia within months of his birth, settling in Redcliffe, Queensland, near Brisbane.
Gibb began playing at tourist clubs around Spain's coastal Island of Ibiza, and later back in his homeland of Britain on the Isle of Man, as a young teenager. The idea of his joining the Bee Gees was often suggested, but the age gap between him and his elder brothers (more than 11 years younger than Barry, slightly more than eight years younger than twins Robin and Maurice) made this difficult to achieve.
After returning to Australia in 1975 to hone his craft as a singer and songwriter, Gibb began recording a series of his own compositions, one of which was released as a single on the ATA label, owned by veteran Australian performer, Col Joye. "Words and Music" would eventually reach Top Five on the Sydney music charts in 1976. This breakout would pave the way to an even greater milestone later that year — an invitation from Robert Stigwood (who, at the time, was also the Bee Gees' manager) to launch his international career signed to his label, RSO Records. Gibb soon moved to Miami Beach, Florida to begin working on songs with his brother Barry, and co-producers Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.
Prior to leaving Australia, Gibb had married his girlfriend, Kim Reeder. They had one child, a daughter named Peta. Their marriage ended in 1978, his work and family commitments having come between them. Notwithstanding, Gibb's personal trials were soon overshadowed by fame and recognition.
Rise to the Top
In the United States, Gibb became the first male solo artist to chart three consecutive Number One singles on the Billboard Hot 100. In July of 1977, he had his first major hit, "I Just Want to Be Your Everything", a song written by his brother Barry, just as his first album Flowing Rivers broke into the US Top 20, on its way to selling over a million copies. The album's second single "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" broke in early 1978 amidst the commercial explosion caused by his brothers' contributions to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, replacing "Stayin' Alive" at the top of the US charts, and then surpassed by "Night Fever" when it reached the summit in mid-March.
Continuing the momentum of his first successes, Gibb began work with the Gibb-Galuten-Richardson production team on his second album Shadow Dancing. The title track, written by all four Gibb brothers, was released as a single in the US in April 1978, and in mid-June began a seven week run at Number One, achieving platinum status. Two further Top Ten singles, "An Everlasting Love" and "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away", a cover of the earlier version by his brothers, were extracted from the album, which became another million seller.
Despite his impressive accomplishments, the pressures and excesses of such rapid success began to consume Gibb, and eventually he would succumb to drug addiction and the reality of a career in decline. In 1979, Gibb performed, along with the Bee Gees, ABBA, and Olivia Newton-John (duet with "Rest Your Love On Me"), at the Music for UNICEF Concert at the United Nations General Assembly, broadcast worldwide.
He returned to the studio to begin recording sessions for his final full studio album, After Dark. With drugs impeding his previous ability to write and even fully sing the tracks on his own record, Gibb was only able to forge his performance with nearly intrusive support from brother Barry.[citation needed] In March of 1980 the last of Gibb's Top Ten singles charted just ahead of the album's release. "Desire", was recorded for the Bee Gees' 1979 album Spirits Having Flown, and featured their original track with Gibb's lead vocal dubbed in. A second single, "I Can't Help It", a duet with family friend Olivia Newton-John, which they had performed at the UN, reached the Top Twenty; they donated the royalties to UNICEF.
Later in the year, Andy Gibb's Greatest Hits was released as a finale to his contract with RSO Records, with two new songs: "Time Is Time" (number 15 in January 1981) and "Me (Without You)" (Gibb's last Top Forty chart entry) shipped as singles.
Career Stall Out
A well-publicised affair with actress Victoria Principal ensued, while Gibb signed to several projects outside of the recording studio, including acclaimed performances in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway, Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance in Los Angeles, and a short-term stint as co-host of the television music show Solid Gold.
However, as Gibb's drug use intensified, he was unable to commit to regular performances and tapings, and was eventually removed from each of these endeavours. His romance with Principal also ended a short time later, but not before recording and releasing a vanity duet of the Everly Brothers' classic "All I Have To Do Is Dream". This would be Gibb's last official single, and his last US chart entry, peaking at number 51.
His family convinced him to seek treatment for his drug addiction; after a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic in the mid-1980s, Gibb toured small venues with a stage show of his greatest hits and covers, and appeared in guest-starring roles on several television situation comedies. His performances showed him to have seemingly recovered from his addiction. But although his performances in his new lifestyle were well-received, they failed to return him to the height of his past successes. In 1987, with his debts far outweighing his income, Gibb was forced to declare bankruptcy.
Determined to revive his recording career, Gibb returned to work alongside brothers Barry and Maurice. They produced a series of demo recordings, which would eventually secure him a contract with the UK branch of Island Records. One of the demos, "Man On Fire", was released posthumously on the 1991 Polydor anthology, Andy Gibb, while another demo, "Arrow Through The Heart", though unreleased to the present day, would be featured on an episode of VH1's series Behind the Music.
Death
He travelled to England to fulfill the label's request for more songs, moving into brother Robin's estate in Thame, Oxfordshire. He turned to drinking heavily, and fell ill. On March 7, 1988, Andy was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford complaining of stomach pains.
Gibb died three days later of myocarditis — a sudden inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection. While his years of alcohol and cocaine abuse did not directly result in his death, they did aggravate the condition.
His body was brought back to Los Angeles, California, for interment in Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery. Roughly a decade later, at their One Night Only concert, the Bee Gees performed "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away" in memory of Andy.
Albums
US chart positions follow parenthetically, if applicable
Flowing Rivers, RSO, 1977 (US #19)
Shadow Dancing, RSO, 1978 (US #7)
After Dark, RSO, 1980 (US #21)
Andy Gibb's Greatest Hits, RSO, 1980 (US #49)
Andy Gibb, Polydor, 1991
Andy Gibb: Millennium, Polydor, 2001
Singles
US chart positions follow parenthetically, if applicable
"Words and Music / Westfield Mansions" (Australia), ATA, 1976
"I Just Want To Be Your Everything, RSO, 1977 (US #1, 4 weeks)
"(Love Is) Thicker Than Water", RSO, 1978 (US #1, 2 weeks)
"Shadow Dancing", RSO, 1978 (US #1, 7 weeks)
"An Everlasting Love", RSO, 1978 (US #5) (UK #10)
"(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away", RSO, 1978 (US #9)
"Desire", RSO, 1980 (US #4)
"I Can't Help It" (Duet with Olivia Newton-John, RSO, 1980 (US #12)
"Time Is Time", RSO, 1980 (US #15)
"Me (Without You)", RSO, 1981 (US #40)
"All I Have To Do Is Dream" (Duet with Victoria Principal), RSO, 1981 (US #51)
After Dark
Andy Gibb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where you are , there is a different feeling
I wake up , I'm on the ceilin' , opens up your eyes
What a shape ! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh , let me show you mine , immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
There is no limit that I would not go
if I could lie beside
Where you are , there is a different out there
Love in the jungle can be hard to realize
What a shape ! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh , let me show you mine immediately
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
There is not anything I would not do to ease your troubled mind
Where you are , there is a different feeling
I wake up , I'm on the ceilin' ,opens up your eyes
What a shape ! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh , let me show you mine immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
The lyrics of Andy Gibb's song "After Dark" are a passionate tribute to a special relationship. The singer expresses his affection for his partner and his strong desire to be close to her. He promises to go to great lengths to make her feel better and to always be there whenever she needs him.
The song celebrates the privacy and intimacy of being together "after dark," when the world around them fades away and they can focus solely on each other. The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency and excitement, as the singer insists on leaving immediately to be with his lover. He marvels at the beauty and allure of his partner and seeks to share his own with her as well.
Overall, "After Dark" is a romantic and sensual song, full of devotion and longing. It captures the feeling of being deeply connected to someone and cherishing every moment together.
Line by Line Meaning
There not anything I would not do to ease your troubled mind
I am willing to do anything to make you feel better
Where you are , there is a different feeling
Being with you creates a unique sensation
I wake up , I'm on the ceilin' , opens up your eyes
You make me feel so alive and aware of the world around me
What a shape ! Someone you can't forget for any time
You have an unforgettable figure that stays with me always
Oh , let me show you mine , immediately
I want to share myself with you right away
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
When the night falls and everything becomes calm and quiet
I wanna be there , I wanna be there
I want to be with you in that peaceful moment
We leave immediately
Let's go together right away
There is no limit that I would not go if I could lie beside
I would go to any lengths to be close to you
Where you are , there is a different out there
Being with you brings me to a unique place
Love in the jungle can be hard to realize
Finding love can be difficult in a chaotic world
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
During the peaceful and quiet hours of the night
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY GIBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ken Perk
So many 70s albums stood out as winners right away because of the name of the album. This is one and there are so many. Out of the Blue-ELO, All in All -Earth Wind and Fire, Midnight Magic-The Commodores, Led Zeppelin
Physical Graffiti, George Harrison
All Things Must Pass, Led Zeppelin
Houses of the Holy, Pink Floyd
The Dark Side of the Moon, The Beach Boys
Surf’s Up, Marvin Gaye
What’s Going On, Face The Music- ELO, Michael Jackson
Off the Wall, Fleetwood Mac
Rumours, Various Artists
Saturday Night Fever, Pink Floyd
The Wall, The Beatles
Let It Be
1970, I AM-Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder
Innervisions, The Rolling Stones
Exile on Main St., Sly and the Family Stone
There’s a Riot Goin’ On, The Clash
London Calling, Patrice Rushen – Pizzazz, Queen – A Night at the Opera, Rolling Stones – Some Girls, Joni Mitchell – The Hissing of Summer Lawns,
Chic – C’est Chic, Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak, The Police – Reggatta de Blanc, Bob Marley & The Wailers – Exodus, The Who – Quadrophenia, Black Sabbath – Master of Reality, Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger, Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo’s Factory, Kate Bush – The Kick Inside, Tom Waits – Closing Time, Bob Marley & the Wailers – Catch a Fire, Parliament – Mothership Connection, The O’Jays – Back Stabbers, Billy Joel – The Stranger, Fleetwood Mac – Tusk, Maching Gun-Commodores, Steely Dan – Aja, Book of Dreams-Steve Miller Band, Miles Davis – On the Corner, Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers, Patti Smith – Horses, Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town, Roxy Music – For Your Pleasure, Curtis Mayfield – Superfly, Carole King – Tapestry, Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled, Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Black Sabbath – Paranoid, Boz Scaggs-Silk Degrees, Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life, Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run, David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Natural High-Commodores, Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down, ELO- Strange-Magic, Boz Scaggs-Breakdown Dead Ahead, Steve Miller Band-Fly Like An Eagle, Al Stewart-Year of the Cat, just a couple off the top of my head.
Carmen Torres
"After Dark"
There not anything I would not do to ease your troubled mind
Where you are, there is a different feeling
I wake up, I'm on the ceilin', opens up your eyes
What a shape! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh, let me show you mine, immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
There is no limit that I would not go
if I could lie beside
Where you are, there is a different out there
Love in the jungle can be hard to realize
What a shape! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh, let me show you mine immediately
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
There is not anything I would not do to ease your troubled mind
Where you are, there is a different feeling
I wake up, I'm on the ceilin', opens up your eyes
What a shape! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh, let me show you mine immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna
Szachmat
There not anything I would not do to ease your troubled mind
Where you are, there is a different feeling
I wake up, I'm on the ceilin', opens up your eyes
What a shape! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh, let me show you mine, immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
There is no limit that I would not go
if I could lie beside
Where you are, there is a different out there
Love in the jungle can be hard to realize
What a shape! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh, let me show you mine immediately
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights are fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
There is not anything I would not do to ease your troubled mind
Where you are, there is a different feeling
I wake up, I'm on the ceilin', opens up your eyes
What a shape! Someone you can't forget for any time
Oh, let me show you mine immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark where the lights start fading sweet and low
I wanna be there, I wanna be there
We leave immediately
After dark
Paula Spinelli
I still listen this album every day and I can't believe what perfect and actual music! Gibb family are the best.
Marie Grimes
Remembering Andy Gibb by listening to his albums all week. 😰 He's been gone 33 years but will remain in our hearts and memories forever. 💙🎶🎤🕊🕯♾
Rest In Peace Andy.
Michael Williams
I have been a big Andy Gibb fan since age four, when "I Just Want To Be Your Everything" was a huge hit in 1977! If RSO Records would have released this song as a single, I think that it would have been a Top 40 hit!
William Wheeler
That’s basically what I came here to say
Michael Williams
@William Wheeler, great minds think alike!
Victor TalkingMachine
My all-time favorite Andy Gibb recording. I can't understand why it never caught on...the melody and arrangement are superb. Sad cocaine abuse at the time eventually led to his premature death.
Ileana Cancio
Left us way too soon but his talent, his voice and charm stayed with us to remember him forever. Those of us that had the chance to enjoy his music keep him alive. RIP Andy!
Andy Roman
today is the 35th anniversary of Andrew Roy Gibb's passing,5 days after turning age 30.
Cheryl Guest
Andy had a light inside that words cannot explain. Barry said that Hollywood was his downfall. His voice, his spirit and his light is still unmistakable. Rip Andy, I truly hope that you're happy on another plain somewhere. 🎶🎶🎶💖❤💖
DesertRose122
Andy is someone you can't forget for any time...RIP Andy, Maurice, Robin, Hugh Gibb, and now Robert Stigwood.