A Pilgrimage to Tame: Remembering Robin Gibb, The Bee Gees’ Haunting Voice
For devotees of British music, a visit to the quaint town of Tame in Oxfordshire offers a unique pilgrimage. It’s here, amidst the tranquil English countryside, that the late Robin Gibb of the legendary Bee Gees found solace and inspiration for nearly three decades. His former residence, “The Prebendal,” a magnificent Grade II listed former monastery, stands as a testament to his life and artistic spirit.
The Prebendal is steeped in history, its ancient stones whispering tales of centuries past. In the 12th century, it was the home of the Bishop of Lincoln. Later, in 1533, it even hosted King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. But for music enthusiasts, its most compelling connection is to Robin Gibb. From 1983 until his passing in 2012, this historic estate was his home. He and his wife purchased it after spotting it for sale in Country Life magazine, drawn by its charm and peaceful aura. A blue plaque proudly displayed on the Gatehouse commemorates his residency: “Robin Hugh Gibb CBE 1949-2012 Singer-Songwriter with the Bee Gees.” The property comprises three buildings – the Gatehouse, a beautiful chapel, and the main house – creating an idyllic retreat where Gibb composed some of his later works. Even today, his wife continues to reside there, maintaining the cherished home.
However, the journey to Tame for many is not solely about admiring his former abode. Just a short walk from The Prebendal lies St. Mary’s Church, a lovely old church with steps leading up to its entrance. It is in the serene churchyard of St. Mary’s that Robin Gibb rests.
Robin Gibb, born on December 22, 1949, on the Isle of Man, moved to Manchester and then Brisbane before achieving global stardom with his brothers Barry and Maurice as the Bee Gees. His distinctive tremulous vibrato and emotive delivery earned him widespread acclaim. Music historian Paul Gambaccini once described him as “one of the major figures in the history of British music” and “one of the best white soul voices ever.” Beyond his musical prowess, Robin was also a prominent advocate for charitable causes, notably fundraising for a memorial dedicated to the Bomber Command in London.
Robin’s final years were marked by a courageous battle with health issues. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2011 and, despite initial reports, his son later clarified that while the cancer was in remission, he ultimately passed away on May 20, 2012, from kidney failure.
His grave at St. Mary’s Church is a place of quiet reverence, regularly visited by fans from all corners of the globe who come to pay their respects and honor his immense talent. His headstone is beautifully inscribed with excerpts from some of the Bee Gees’ most famous songs, including “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Massachusetts,” “I’ve Got a Message for You,” “Saved by the Bell,” “Night Fever,” “Emotion,” and “I Started a Joke.” These lyrical snippets serve as a poignant reminder of the timeless music he helped create, particularly during the Bee Gees’ zenith in the 1970s with the iconic Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.
Adjacent to Robin’s grave, there’s another small, touching memorial stone dedicated to his younger brother, Andy Gibb, who passed away on March 10, 1988, at the tragically young age of 30. The memorial reads: “Good night sweet prince and flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.” While Andy is not buried here, the stone serves as a poignant tribute, placed in good view of Robin’s resting place, symbolizing the enduring family bond.
The church itself, with its old-world charm, stands as a quiet sentinel over these hallowed grounds. It’s a peaceful spot, offering a moment of reflection on the profound impact Robin Gibb had on music and the lives he touched. He died at the relatively young age of 62, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate globally. The image of the church’s clock tower serves as a final, tranquil memory of a beloved artist whose voice will forever echo in the annals of music history.