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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Michael Clift, David Scott & Wayne Hosking a.k.a. The Australian Bee Gees
By Callie Thomas
It’s the music that has become legendary. The unforgettable harmonies and indelible dance rhythms of the one and only Bee Gees are re-created six nights a week at the Excalibur by the multi-talented Michael Clift (a.k.a. Barry Gibb), David Scott (a.k.a. Robin Gibb) and Wayne Hosking (a.k.a. Maurice Gibb). Not only are they exceptional musicians and performers who have entertained audiences from all over the world with their uncanny resemblance and similar sound to the original group, they’re also local 89123 residents who have become our neighbors, entrenched within the Las Vegas community as they enjoy the local lifestyle, send their children to school and help give back through many local nonprofit organizations.
Originally from Australia, the trio formed the Bee Gees tribute group in 1996, because “nobody else was doing it” and they had been touring together for fifteen years before landing in Vegas in 2011. Since that time, they’ve not only had to adjust to the welcome opportunity of going to work in the same showroom every night, but they have also put down roots for their families, building a life within the community in the process.
Each member of the Australian Bee Gees is passionate about supporting local organizations that have special meaning to them, including nonprofits such as Shade Tree, Four Square, Partee Fore Kids Event, Supply Our Students Drive, many local blood drives, Clean the World and other charities. The three gave us an inside look at the personalities behind the performances, making the move from Australia to Las Vegas and becoming part of the community.
How did you all meet?
MC: “My band Red Tape won Battle of the Bands for two years and secured a record deal and released several singles before becoming a part of Australian Bee Gees.”
DS: “I played guitar in a small town at an early age. In high school, I met others who could play songs by ear and we put together a band. Our parents were members of local clubs and got us gigs. We didn’t get paid, but we got free soda! Years later, I auditioned and was welcomed into a tribute group to the Eagles, which soon became the Australian Bee Gees.”
WH: “I started as a solo pianist in bars around Melbourne, Australia. I then worked with an Australian playwright named Craig Christie, with whom I composed a rock opera called “Crusade” which won a lot of critical acclaim in Australia and Europe. I was invited to the Bee Gees tribute company in 1996.”
What’s it been like becoming a part of the Vegas community?
MC: “We had been touring for many years, so there was some adjusting to this lifestyle. It’s probably the closest thing to a normal job that I’ve ever had. My family moved over in 2012 and both my kids started going to school. That’s the point where you start to meet people out of the circle of your industry and feel like you’re living here rather than just working here. This year, my wife is the vice president of the PTA at our kid’s school!”
Tell us about the local charitable organizations you support.
WH: “We feel very privileged to be able to live and work here in Las Vegas and give back. Clean the World provides hygiene packs for local homeless people made of the amenity packs from the hotels and casinos here.”
DS: “I support the Shade Tree charity that provides food and shelter to women, children and vets.”
MC: “World Vision and Medicine Sans Frontiers are long term commitments of me and my family, and since arriving in Las Vegas, we’ve been involved in many local charities including Shade Tree.”
Anything about yourselves others might be surprised to know?
MC: “I’m a nerd. Wait, I think they already know that.”
DS: “My friends are never surprised about anything I do, but others might not know that I’m quite different from the character I play on stage.”
WH: “Most people are surprised that I am shy offstage.”
