THE owners of a Thame book shop attended a VIP evening on Tuesday to witness the world premier of The Titanic Requiem by former Bee Gee Robin Gibb.
Brian and Louise Pattinson, of The Book House, were invited to the ‘moving’ event at the at Central Hall, Westminster, which saw the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform a selection of Thame star Robin’s tracks from his new album, The Titanic Requiem.
The classical works, created with Robin’s son RJ, was officially released yesterday in memory of those who died on the Titanic to mark the 100th anniversary of the tragedy.
“As Robin is in hospital suffering with cancer, it was such an incredibly moving event,” said Brian, owner of the Thame High Street Shop.
“The orchestra played the Requiem, but when it came to the part where Robin would normally sing, the whole orchestra sat down and his vocals were played from the album.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the place and when it was finished everyone stood up.
“It’s such a moving piece anyway, being in memory of those on the Titanic.
“But Robin Gibb has been living in Thame for years and years, as has his son RJ.
“They composed the piece together and it’s their first piece of work they’ve done.
“We did a book launch for Robin’s wife some years ago and Robin has been a customer for a number of years, so the family invited us along to the event.
“It was a very, very special and grand event, and we are now selling the album The Titanic Requiem ourselves at The Book House.”