By Natalee Kerr
A tribute show dedicated to one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time is coming to Geelong this month.
Night Fever – Bee Gees Revival is the “closest” replication to a Bee Gees concert, according to group member Phil Splitter.
“We’re not just a bunch of guys singing their songs,” he said.
“Our recreation of their sound is spot on, we really work on getting the harmonies right.”
Splitter, who plays the role of Robin Gibb, said the “completely live and authentic” two-hour show also comes with a “difference”.
“We’ve added some entertainment to it, which is something Bee Gees concerts weren’t necessarily known for having,” he said.
“It’s like you’re at a Bee Gees concert but with the addition of a bit of humour and fun.”
Joined by members Roy Kossena and AJ Leonard, the Melbourne-based group take on the “timeless” music of the rock and disco legends spanning more than four decades.
“It’s music that’s hard to hate,” Splitter said.
“They’re well written, well-crafted and well recorded songs and we try to replicate it as best we can.”
Backed by a five-piece band of “very talented musicians” the show also features some exciting costume changes, Splitter said.
“You hear people gasp when they see us on stage, at first glance it’s like ‘oh my god it’s the Bee Gees’,” he said.
“It takes people back, it lets them relive their past and makes them feel young again.”
Splitter, a lifelong Bee Gees fan, said the group inspired his passion for singing and performing from an early age.
“They became big right when I was learning to sing and play guitar,” he said.
“They had a huge influence on my interest in music.”
But Splitter said it wasn’t until becoming part of the tribute act that he formed a “real appreciation” for the trio.
“Now as a singer-songwriter I can respect how good they truly were,” he said.
“Once I could understand the technical difficulties they faced in creating such great music, my love for them has got even bigger.”
Splitter said he still loves playing all the hits after more than three years with the band.
“If you asked me when I first joined how long do you reckon you’d do it? I’d say maybe a year,” he said.
“But a few years on and I’m not sick of it at all and have no plans of stopping anytime soon.”
“Seeing people’s smiles and eyes light up when you’re performing is just the best thing.”
Night Fever – Bee Gees Revival will take on Club Italia on Saturday 27th July.
