About The Song

In the mid-60s, before the platform shoes and the falsetto took hold, the Bee Gees were a young, energetic rock and roll outfit with a knack for crafting catchy melodies and heartfelt harmonies. This was the era that birthed the lesser-known gem, “To Be Or Not To Be”.

Released in 1965 on their album “The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs”, this track showcases a different facet of the band. Here, we hear the raw talent of the young Gibb brothers – Maurice on bass, Robin on rhythm guitar, and Barry, the eldest, taking center stage with his powerful vocals and songwriting prowess.

“To Be Or Not To Be” might not have the dancefloor-filling energy of their disco hits, but it packs a different kind of punch. It’s a song brimming with youthful angst and the kind of existential questions that often plague teenagers grappling with love, loss, and their place in the world.

The title itself is a clever play on Shakespeare’s famous line from Hamlet, instantly setting a contemplative tone. But unlike the introspective soliloquy of the Danish prince, the Bee Gees’ “To Be Or Not To Be” is a more direct, rock-driven exploration of these themes.

So, if you’re familiar with the Bee Gees only through their disco years, prepare to be surprised. “To Be Or Not To Be” offers a glimpse into their earlier sound, a sound that’s raw, energetic, and full of raw emotion. It’s a reminder that these iconic brothers were more than just purveyors of dancefloor hits – they were talented musicians with a depth and complexity that often went unnoticed.

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