Introduction
“(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away” is a poignant ballad penned by Barry Gibb and Blue Weaver during the Bee Gees’ prolific 1977 sessions for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Although the Bee Gees recorded the song during these sessions, it didn’t make the final cut for the soundtrack and remained unreleased until it appeared on their 1979 compilation album, “Bee Gees Greatest.”
Recognizing the song’s potential, Barry Gibb revisited it when his younger brother, Andy Gibb, was working on his second studio album, “Shadow Dancing.” Barry added a new middle-eight section to the original composition, enhancing its emotional depth. Andy recorded this version, and it was released as a single in September 1978. The track became Andy’s fifth Top 10 hit in the United States, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Tragically, Andy Gibb passed away in 1988 at the age of 30. In a heartfelt tribute, the Bee Gees honored their late brother during their “One Night Only” concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 14, 1997. They performed “(Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away,” incorporating Andy’s original vocals into the live rendition. As Barry Gibb introduced the song, he referred to it as “our song for Andy,” and during the performance, images of Andy were displayed on a screen, creating a touching moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
This performance was part of the Bee Gees’ “One Night Only” live album and DVD, which captured the entirety of the Las Vegas concert. Initially intended as a final live performance, the overwhelming response led the group to extend their tour. The “One Night Only” album, released on September 7, 1998, features a comprehensive collection of the Bee Gees’ hits spanning their illustrious career, with the tribute to Andy serving as a poignant highlight.
The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to the Gibb brothers’ profound musical bond and their ability to convey deep emotion through their artistry.