Barry Gibb has spent much of his life surrounded by music, fame and memories.

But behind the extraordinary success of the Bee Gees is a loss that never completely disappeared.

Barry outlived all three of his younger brothers.

Andy Gibb died in 1988 at only 30. Maurice Gibb died unexpectedly in 2003 at 53. Then, in 2012, Robin Gibb died at 62 after battling cancer.

Suddenly, Barry was the last surviving Gibb brother.

Over the years, people have naturally wanted to know how he carries that loss — and whether there was one brother whose absence affected him more than the others.

But Barry’s reflections have revealed something more complicated.

His memories aren’t simply about choosing between Robin, Maurice and Andy.

Each brother occupied a different place in his life.

With Maurice and Robin, Barry shared something almost impossible for outsiders to understand. They weren’t simply brothers. They spent decades singing together, arguing together, traveling together and creating some of the most recognizable music in the world.

Andy had a different journey, but he was still their little brother — someone whose death came heartbreakingly early.

Barry has also spoken openly about something that continued to trouble him after they were gone: at different points, his relationships with his brothers had become strained.

That left him carrying not only memories, but regrets.

Years later, when Barry performs the songs they created together, he isn’t simply revisiting the Bee Gees.

In a way, Robin and Maurice are still there.

And so is Andy.

That’s perhaps the part fans don’t always see when Barry Gibb walks onto a stage alone.

The world sees the last surviving Bee Gee.

Barry still remembers being one of four brothers.