Music mogul Robert Stigwood has passed away, he was 81.
Stigwood, who was born in Port Pirrie, South Australia, relocated to Britain in the 1950’s where he went on to manage and produce bands like Cream and The Bee Gees.
In the late 1960’s Stigwoodmoved into theatre production staging the musical ‘Hair’ in London’s West End. He went on to produce many musicals including ‘Oh! Calcutta!’, ‘Sweeny Todd’, ‘Pippin’ and the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice hits ‘Evita’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber marked Stigwood’s passing describing Stigwood as a great showman who has taught him a lot.
In the realm of film productions Stigwood had a string of hits including The Who’s ‘Tommy’, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and ‘Grease’. Stigwood produced several films starring John Travolta and is credited with making the star of TV show ‘Welcome Back Kotter’ a box office draw card.
The musical ‘Evita’ starring Madonna was another screen success and his collaboration with Australian fellow producer Patricia Lovell created the Australian classic ‘Gallipoli’.
Other films Stigwood produced were less successful, ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ was an enormous flop, ‘Stayin’ Alive’, the sequel to ‘Saturday Live Fever’ was a box office failure, and audience’s didn’t rush to see ‘Grease 2’. Stigwood also produced the high selling soundtrack for the film ‘Fame’ and the soundtrack to ‘The Empire Strikes Back’.
In the ’90s Stigwood continued to have success with the stage version of ‘Saturday Night Fever’.
Stigwood was widely recognised as being gay, but maintained a very private personal life. His death was announced by his godson Spencer Gibb, the son of Bee Gee’s member Robin Gibb.
“I would like to share the sad news with you all, that my godfather, and the longtime manager of my family, Robert Stigwood, has passed away.”
Spencer Gibb said Stigwood was a creative genius with a very quick and dry wit.
“I would like to thank Robert for his kindness to me over the years as well as his mentorship to my family. “Stiggy”, you will be missed.”
OIP Staff
