There are bright new stars in the sky
Yamachan with Robin Gibb during the latter’s Asian tour in summer 2005
We have some deeply sad news to share with you today. Two long-time friends and fans who have supported us since the launch of this site, contributed to the ‘combined fandom’ history totaling centuries, and were comrades in our shared passion for supporting the Bee Gees have passed away.
Yuruzu Yumamae, also known as Yamachan (beegeesfanjp), passed away at the age of 70 at the end of January. Although he had been unwell for some time, we were relieved to hear that he had “recovered” by the end of the year. His sudden departure has left us with an overwhelming sense of loss. His funeral was held on 3 February in Kawasaki, where he lived.
Initially, his family had planned a private funeral, but due to the many enquiries, they made a special effort to allow time for people to say their goodbyes. This speaks volumes about how deeply loved and admired he was by so many. As ‘Too Much Heaven’ and ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ played softly, we saw him lying there, covered by a cloth bearing the “Main Course” logo and photos of Robin, whom he had adored since childhood. In our hearts, we thanked him for our long friendship and whispered, ‘We’ll still be counting on you.’
He had once asked me to leave him in my will a copy of Robin’s solo album “Saved by the Bell” with the pink obi. How dare he go first!
Yamachan was bright, gentle and kind. He cherished the connections and friendships among fans, bringing joyful projects to life one after another, and he was deeply loved by countless people. While he was renowned professionally as a mystery novel scholar, Bee Gees fans knew him as one of the world’s foremost collectors and researchers, driven by his profound knowledge, dedication and proactive spirit. He was warm and approachable, and always considerate of others.
As he was such a prominent figure, there were many attendees, with numerous fellow fans overcoming great difficulties to come from all over the country. I was also given the opportunity to contribute to the floral tributes arranged by volunteers, for which I am very grateful.
After the funeral, a few of us gathered at a nearby pub to raise a toast to this man, who was also a heavy drinker with a joyful spirit. We shared endless memories. He left us too soon. We had talked about writing a research book about the Bee Gees together someday, but that ‘someday’ would never come now.
When Robin passed away in May 2012, the first person I called upon receiving the news from his people in England was Yamachan. It was still early morning, but he was at work as usual and answered immediately. We spoke, both of us in tears. My determination to maintain this website was almost destroyed, but I’ll never forget Yamachan’s tearful encouragement.
Another person passed away in December last year, on Robin and Maurice’s birthday. He had been a fan and a dear friend for over half a century, ever since the Bee Gees’ second visit to Japan in 1973. Losing such important people one after another, at a time when I felt there was still so much we could achieve together, has left me utterly lost.
Stormy nights out in the heaven
I believe in the true forever
There is a bright new star when somebody dies
–from ‘I Still Love You’ by the Bee Gees (1981)
Flowers from fellow Bee Gees fans
{Bee Gees Days}
