Spicks And Specks

Album: Spicks And Specks (1966)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The three brothers who made up the Bee Gees were born on the Isle of Man, lived for a while in Manchester, then emigrated with their parents to Australia. Their first break came when a DJ with the unlikely name of Bill Gates asked them to record some tracks for him. In a BBC tribute screened shortly after the death of Robin Gibb in May 2012, they explained that after releasing no less than 13 singles they felt they were not making any real progress, and decided to head back to the UK to ride the Mersey boom - which was of course launched by The Beatles. They released what was intended to be their last Australian single, "Spicks And Specks" and off they went. In those days they sailed rather than flew, and a week out they realized the song had reached #1.
  • "Spicks And Specks" was written by Barry Gibb and was actually their 12th single; it was recorded in June 1966 at St. Clair Studio, Sydeny, and was released in Australia on the Spin label backed by "I Am The World." In the UK, it was released on Polydor. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Gary James from UkChildhood remembered, great song
  • Zabadak from London, EnglandWas covered by Status Quo among others.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

16 Songs With a Heartbeat

16 Songs With a HeartbeatSong Writing

We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top Proverb

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top ProverbSong Writing

How a country weeper and a blues number made "rolling stone" the most popular phrase in rock.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.