When Maurice Gibb joined Lulu on An Audience with Lulu to perform “First of May,” the moment transcended music—it became a tender tribute to love, loss, and memory. Originally a Bee Gees classic from 1969, “First of May” was known for its delicate piano intro and melancholic lyrics, but this version, performed decades later, carried the weight of personal history. As the lights dimmed and the first note played, the audience knew they were witnessing something extraordinary.
Maurice and Lulu had more than music between them—they had once been husband and wife. Though their marriage ended in 1973, the deep affection between them lingered like an old melody. That emotional undercurrent turned the performance into a deeply vulnerable act, blending nostalgia with sincerity.
As Maurice began to play, the camera captured his expression—gentle, contemplative, and full of quiet yearning. Lulu, standing beside him, added her vocals with a controlled yet emotional tone that left the room in silence. For many, it was the most moving moment of the show.
The lyrics of “First of May” talk about the passage of time, childhood innocence, and the inevitability of change. Lines like “When I was small, and Christmas trees were tall” took on a different meaning when sung by two people who had once shared a life together. The crowd—composed of celebrities, friends, and fans—watched in stunned admiration.
Maurice’s presence at the piano added an intimate dimension to the performance. Known more for his work behind the scenes and harmonies with the Bee Gees, this was a rare moment where he took center stage emotionally. His soft falsetto harmonized gently with Lulu’s voice, creating a duet that was raw and haunting.
Many viewers would later describe the performance as “soul-baring.” It was not just a musical number—it was an open window into the past. For Maurice, this was a quiet confession, and for Lulu, perhaps a gesture of grace and closure.
Social media and fan forums lit up after the episode aired. “I’ve never cried at a TV performance before,” wrote one user. “That wasn’t just a song—that was two hearts singing from different lifetimes.” Others praised the simplicity of the moment, with no elaborate sets or effects, just two voices and a piano.
Behind the scenes, it was reported that Maurice had initially hesitated to participate in the duet. Friends close to him said he was nervous about reopening old emotional doors. But in the end, he agreed, saying, “Some songs need to be sung again… when they finally make sense.”
The performance also had a resurgence in popularity for “First of May.” Streaming numbers surged after the show, introducing a new generation to one of the Bee Gees’ lesser-known ballads. For older fans, it was a trip down memory lane—with the added layer of real-life history behind the voices.
Lulu would later say in an interview, “That moment with Maurice is one I’ll carry with me forever. We shared something magical—not just in music, but in life.” She noted that while their marriage ended, their friendship had never truly dissolved.
Maurice passed away in 2003, just a few years after the performance, making the memory of that duet even more poignant. For many fans, it now stands as one of his final, most personal gifts to the world. There was no flashy goodbye—just a heartfelt song, a former love, and a piano.
It’s rare in the entertainment industry to see such authenticity. The walls usually stay up, the pain polished into performance. But in that brief few minutes on An Audience with Lulu, both Maurice and Lulu let the audience into something unfiltered and achingly real.
That’s why this moment continues to resonate years later. It wasn’t just about music—it was about the journey of two people whose paths once intertwined. It was about how time changes us, but some bonds remain etched in the soul.
The legacy of the Bee Gees is filled with global hits, platinum records, and disco anthems. Yet this quiet ballad, performed in such an intimate setting, holds a different kind of power. It reminds us that behind every superstar is a human being with loves, regrets, and stories.
Today, clips of the performance continue to circulate online, often posted with captions like “This still breaks me” or “One of the most underrated TV moments in music history.” Even younger fans, unfamiliar with the Bee Gees’ full discography, are drawn in by the emotional purity of the performance.
“First of May” was originally about innocence and youth. But during this duet, it became a song about forgiveness, connection, and the memories that shape who we are. Maurice Gibb and Lulu didn’t just sing that night—they showed the world what it means to feel deeply.
In the end, perhaps that’s what great music does. It opens the door to things we’ve buried, and lets us feel them again—if only for a moment. And on that night, Maurice Gibb and Lulu gave us a moment the world won’t soon forget.