It was a moment no one expected — and one that would become heartbreakingly historic.
In 2002, legendary Bee Gees musician Maurice Gibb joined his ex-wife, Scottish pop icon Lulu, on stage for an emotional duet, nearly three decades after their divorce. The surprise reunion took place during Lulu’s ITV special An Audience with Lulu, where the former couple performed the Bee Gees’ haunting ballad “First of May.”
For fans who remembered their whirlwind romance and short-lived marriage, it was a nostalgic, almost surreal sight. Maurice and Lulu had married in 1969 after a brief but intense courtship. By 1973, their marriage had ended, strained by youth, fame, and personal struggles — most notably Maurice’s battle with alcohol.
Despite the divorce, they had remained on friendly terms. But seeing them side by side again, harmonizing on a song that once marked their early days together, was nothing short of magical
“First of May” wasn’t just a Bee Gees classic — it was their song. For Maurice and Lulu, it symbolized a time of innocence, ambition, and young love. Their decision to revisit it together in front of a live audience spoke volumes about the respect and affection they still held for one another.
Audience members were visibly moved. The emotional weight of the performance was palpable, as were the subtle glances and smiles exchanged between the two.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
What makes this reunion even more poignant is the tragic context that followed. Just eight months after this performance, in January 2003, Maurice Gibb passed away suddenly due to complications from a twisted intestine. He was only 53.
This duet would go down as one of his final public appearances — a farewell of sorts, though no one knew it at the time.
In hindsight, that simple, sincere performance of “First of May” feels like more than just a duet. It’s a tribute to a shared past, a quiet closure, and a reminder of the human stories behind music legends.
For Lulu, it was a chance to reconnect with a man who had been a significant part of her life. For Maurice, it was an opportunity to stand in the spotlight one more time, not as a Bee Gee, but as himself — raw, honest, and beloved.
For fans, it remains an unforgettable moment where music, memory, and mortality all collided on one small stage.
