Wednesday 23 December 2020

It's no tragedy that the music is stayin' alive


‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’ is an excellent documentary film telling the story of the Bee Gees. The brothers Gibb were certainly prolific songwriters with over 1,000 songs to their name. However, there is so much more to them than the disco oriented Saturday Night Fever soundtrack that sold by the shedload. 

In this documentary we see and hear some stunningly wonderful songs that surround the telling of the life story of a band who were to become world famous. Their iconic brand and image may have been slightly off key at times but their music certainly wasn’t. Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb wrote and recorded some of the most memorable songs of the pop music era.

Changing and reinventing themselves and their musical style over four decades, this film highlights and demonstrates what superb songwriters and musicians they were. As the band of brothers moved out of the 70’s and into the 80’s it become rather unfashionable to admit that you were a Bee Gees fan, I’m proud to say that I always was and always will be.

Sadly Andy, Maurice and then Robin Gibb all tragically passed away well before their time leaving older brother Barry alone and devastated. There are some truly touching and heart wrenching moments as he ponders and talks about losing his three brothers. A musician who yearns for the company of his younger siblings to join him on stage once more but knows it can never be. They may no longer be with us but their music lives on.

Barry Gibb is thankfully still writing and performing. Listen to the beautiful new recording of an old Gibb brothers song 'Butterfly' that he sings with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings as the film fades out, it's truly beautiful.

The Bee Gees musical talent and quality shines through in this film and it was a hugely enjoyable watch for me. Listen, it’s still okay to have a guilty secret and you are allowed to raise your arms, do some John Travolta moves and sing your heart out if you want to. Just watch the Glastonbury crowd do exactly that during the closing credits right at the very end of the film. Wonderful!

It's currently showing on Sky Documentaries and well worth viewing.

Monday 21 December 2020

Coronavirus Support Bubbles

For those of you wondering about coronavirus support bubbles for older or vulnerable people living on their own this Christmas then follow the Age UK link below.

Anyone who lives alone can form a support bubble with another household or another person living on their own. However, having formed their bubble they are not allowed to form or enter any other support bubbles at the same time. 

A support bubble is not limited to just Christmas Day, it lasts for as long as you want it to and works in any government tier at any time. 

Support bubbles are effectively treated as one household and those in the bubble must follow the tier rules for the area in which they live. At the time of writing West Sussex is currently in government tier 4 but standby for a probable full national lockdown after Christmas.

If a person you know is living alone, this Christmas or anytime, then a support bubble can be a great help in the struggle against loneliness and isolation. The link below will help clarify the rules relating to coronavirus support bubbles.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus/coronavirus-guidance/support-bubbles/

There’s also more government info here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household