Date: Tuesday 27th February 2024
Eight Stamps Issued by Isle of Man Post Office to
Celebrate the Life and Career of
Maurice Gibb CB
On Thursday 29th February, the life and career of Maurice Gibb CBE, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer will be celebrated by Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) with a set of eight postage stamps featuring images from one of the most accomplished and sought-after music photographers in the world, Guido Karp.
For only the second time in their 50 year history, IOMPO will issue a postal tribute on the 29th February. This makes the First Day Cover a rare collectible with its first day of issue stamp marked for 29.02.2024.
Maurice Gibb CBE, who sadly passed away in 2003, was born on 22nd December 1949 in Douglas on the Isle of Man, as the younger fraternal twin to Robin Gibb and younger brother to Sir Barry Gibb, with whom he founded one of the most successful pop-rock groups of all time, the BeeGee Maurice Gibb CBE played a pivotal role in the group's success as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. His intricate keyboard work and harmoniescontributed significantly to the Bee Gees' distinctive sound.
Maurice,with his affable demeanour, was the glue that bound the trio. The BeeGees' unparalleled success in the disco era, marked by hits like "Stayin'Alive" and "How Deep Is Your Love," solidified their status as music legends, forever etching Maurice's legacy in musical history..
Outside the Bee Gees, Maurice Gibb showcased versatility in his musical career. He collaborated with diverse artists, produced albums for others, and even pursued solo projects.
Maurice's contributions extended beyond performance, revealing his
prowess as a songwriter and producer, making a lasting impact on the
industry beyond the iconic Bee Gees sound.
The image of Guido Karp with the stamps at the Hollywood Walk of fame (c) Gerd Lud.
.
Adam Gibb with stamp
In accordance with the
families’ wishes, the stamps will support and help to raise awareness
for Nordoff Robbins, a charity dedicated to investigating the impact
that music therapy can have for those affected by life–limiting
illness,isolation or disability
His
son, Adam Gibb, said: “My dad has always been very proud of his Manx
roots and it is an honour that his life and career are now commemorated
with this wonderful set of stamps.
I’m
sure he would be delighted with the collection and we are grateful that
the collection will support Nordoff Robbins, a charity that was very
close to my dad and his brothers.”
Guido Karp, photographer said: “I
loved working with them and we had a real bond. Their kindness and music
made a huge impression on me. I captured my last photo with the band in
2001. Losing Maurice was such a blow to the world.
The Bee Gees hold a special place for me both professionally and personally. Maurice’s untimely death in 2003 left behind a
legacy of much loved music and memories and I am honoured to see my images reproduced in this postal tribute.”
Explaining
the decision for the tribute to Maurice Gibb, Maxine Cannon, General
Manager of Isle of Man Stamps &Coins said: “It is a great pleasure
to pay tribute to Maurice Gibb CBE.
Guido
Karp’s stunning images, recording engineer John Merchant’s insights and
working closely with the family and Adam in particular, has made this
postal tribute a very enjoyable experience.
We are very grateful for all the support we have received and very proud of the final results.”
The
images on the stamps and additional products were captured by world
renowned music photographer Guido Karp during the 1991 ‘High
Civilization World Tour’, which was the Bee Gees’ tenth concert tour in
support of their nineteenth studi
Karp has also contributed to the issue text along with recording engineer John Merchant, who worked with the Bee Gees on a number of their hit albums, including ‘High Civilisation’.
The collection will be available as Set, Sheet Set, Presentation Pack (limited to 2500) and First Day Cover (limited to
3000). Additional products available to purchase include a First Day Cover signed by Guido Karp, self-adhesive set, a
self-adhesive First Day Cover, a Sheetlet, a limited edition Imperforate Sheetlet (1000) as well as a Collectors Pack,
combining First Day Cover, Presentation Pack and the regular Sheetlet. The collection is available to view at Link stamps
Guido Karp – Photographer: With over 1000 album and music CD covers to his name featuring Sting,
Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Elton John and, of course, the Bee Gees,
Guido Karp has established himself as one of the most accomplished and sought-after music photographers in the world.
John Merchant – Recording Engineer: John earned a degree in Music Engineering from the University ofMiami in 1989. While still in school, he began working as an intern at Middle Ear Studios on South Beach,owned by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, where he advanced from assistant to Chief Engine.
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