Introduction
Sky News Anchor Mistakenly Thinks Maurice Gibb Is Still Alive — An Awkward On-Air Moment Goes Viral
In a moment that stunned viewers and quickly circulated online, a Sky News anchor made an unexpected and awkward mistake during a live broadcast on October 8, 2010, when she referred to Bee Gees member Maurice Gibb as if he were still alive — despite the fact that Maurice had tragically passed away seven years earlier, in 2003.
The incident occurred during a segment discussing the Bee Gees’ enduring legacy and recent public appearances by surviving members Barry and Robin Gibb. As part of the segment, the anchor praised the group’s influence on pop music and casually stated, “It’s wonderful to see the Bee Gees — Barry, Robin, and Maurice — still going strong after all these years.”
Within seconds, social media and viewers began reacting. Many fans of the Bee Gees were quick to point out that Maurice Gibb died in January 2003 from complications following emergency abdominal surgery. His death had deeply affected his brothers, especially Barry, and effectively marked the beginning of the end of the Bee Gees as a functioning trio.
The clip of the mistake went viral, not because it was malicious, but because it highlighted the often-overlooked responsibility journalists have when covering legacy artists and their personal histories. Fans of the Bee Gees were quick to express their frustration online, with some calling the blunder “disrespectful” and others labeling it as simply “unprofessional.” However, others responded with empathy, acknowledging that live television comes with its risks and imperfections.
To their credit, Sky News responded quickly. In a follow-up statement later that day, the network acknowledged the mistake, calling it an “unintentional oversight” and offering sincere apologies to the Gibb family and fans of the Bee Gees. The anchor herself reportedly felt embarrassed and issued a personal apology off-air, stating she regretted the inaccuracy and that she had simply misspoken in the fast-paced flow of live reporting.
For many Bee Gees fans, the error reopened old wounds. Maurice Gibb was not just one-third of a famous band — he was a beloved brother, husband, and father. Known for his musicianship, humor, and dedication to his family, Maurice’s death at age 53 was a devastating loss, particularly for twin brother Robin, with whom he shared a uniquely close bond.
In the years since Maurice’s passing, surviving brother Barry Gibb has continued to keep the Bee Gees’ legacy alive through tribute albums and heartfelt performances, often speaking emotionally about how much he misses his brothers. The moment on Sky News, while unfortunate, also served as a reminder of the enduring emotional connection fans feel to Maurice — and to the memory of what the Bee Gees represented.
Though the broadcast mistake was brief, the reaction to it underscored a larger truth: Maurice Gibb may be gone, but he is far from forgotten. And for fans, the music — and the memory — lives on.