How Deep Is Your Love (for the Isle of Man)?

National treasure and Bee Gees legend Sir Barry Gibb has been getting all nostalgic about his roots, describing the Isle of Man as a ‘sacred place’ that sparked the group’s global success.

In a cracking interview with Manx Radio, aired last night (Tynwald Day), Sir Barry looked back on his childhood growing up in Spring Valley and Willaston, playing in the TT pits, meeting Geoff Duke, and even singing outside the Walls Ice Cream Factory.

Born in Douglas in 1946, Barry said: ‘It’s my island. It’s a very spiritual place, and it always will be.’

He even admitted he still says hello to the fairies when crossing Fairy Bridge, as EVERYONE should.

The Bee Gees’ signature sound, he said, was shaped by his parents’ musical talents, his mum always singing at home while ironing, and his dad leading a 13-piece orchestra on the Liverpool-Douglas ferry. Honestly, musical royalty.

There were some wild stories too, including one about saving a baby floating in a box down a stream in Spring Valley (yes, really, Manx Radio and all of us are looking for more info if that rings any bells).

Barry hasn’t seen the bronze statue of the Gibb brothers on Douglas Prom yet, but says he hopes to return.

‘The island was the beginning of everything,’ he said. “I love it with all my heart.’

He says he’ll be back soon, and let’s be honest, it’s probably to just double check the statue captured those dangerously sharp Bee Gee cheekbones.

You can listen to the full hour long interview, which we’d say is a must listen, HERE.