"If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

ABBAnator - 26.07.2007, 11:54
"If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA
I was browsing the Bee Gees World fan site and I noticed a quote from Maurice Gibb stating that the big hit "If I Can't Have You" written by the Bee Gees and performed by Yvonne Elliman was originally written for ABBA. :shock:

This is a passage taken from Wikipedia about the song:

"If I Can't Have You" was written by Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees. The song was intended to be included in the follow-up album to Children of the World (1976), but was given to singer Yvonne Elliman when the Bee Gees became involved in the production of the movie Saturday Night Fever (1977) in which the song, and also in the subsequent soundtrack, appeared. Elliman's version became an international smash hit, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and #8 in the UK. The song, as sung by the Bee Gees, was released as the B-side to the single "Stayin' Alive" in 1978 and also appeared in the 2001 compilation Bee Gees Their Greatest Hits: The Record.

This is a quote from the Bee Gees World fan site:

IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU (1977)

Maurice Gibb wrote: "Would you believe originally written for ABBA (Sweden's famous group) on the steps of the Chateau d'Herouville Studios in France".
Has anyone heard the story about this? Why was it written for ABBA and why didn't they perform it? (I can probably guess the latter) This is the first I've heard of it.

I think Frida or Agnetha (or both) would have done a fantastic job with this song! :D

Bruce

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

Fire&Ice - 26.07.2007, 13:26

Benny and Bjorn, as far as I know it, did not want ABBA to perform any other song than the ones written by themselves, the only exception being The Medley.

It is a pity actually, and I personally think it was a mistake, because If I can't have you was such a great song and a smash-hit.
I bet the girls (and boys :lol: ) would have done a wonderful job and yes Matt, I would love to have been able to hear them holding it. :shock:

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

Maxi-saxi - 27.07.2007, 03:16

I read in an interview where B & B were approached by the Bee Gees but turned down the chance to recored the song, reasons what Fire&Ice stated.

They wanted to recored there own material and were to busy with recording and work to do this. I also think it was a shame It would have been perfect for ABBA.

Maxi-saxi

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

Maxi-saxi - 27.07.2007, 06:44

Bruce this is going back over 25 years or so may be a bit longer. I'm sure (keeping my fingers crossed) I may have the newspaper article hidden away some were.


But don't keep me to my word on that! I can't remember where I put stuff yesterday let alone all those years ago.

Maxi-saxi

I'll do my best and see if I can find it for you BUT do not hold your breath!! :roll:

Maxi-saxi

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

lemmon - 27.07.2007, 14:56

The maurice Gibb guy seemed to be very impressed with Agnetha's voice and style. They even approached her for making a soloalbum but she refused. She was to busy with Abba (1979) Later in 1982 Barry couldn't do it because he was involved in the movie Staying Alive.

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

skm - 27.07.2007, 15:17

Andy Gibb was infatuated with Agnetha. You wouldn't have known it if you watch the ONJ show though.

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

Anonymous - 27.07.2007, 15:57

I cant quite remember, but it was either when Agnetha was in london to promote "ISA" or in 89 when Frida was in London.

The BeeGees were staying at the same hotel both the girls used to stay at.
Myself and some other fans stopped to ask for an autograph and a photo. We told them that which either one of the girls it was, was also staying at the hotel.

Barry Gibb said "Abba they were a fantastic group and really nice people".

So i think they liked them professionally and personally.

Even though "I cant..." is a fantastic song, it would be so strange to hear an Abba song, but not written by B&B. I thought this about medley at the time.

I prefer the fact that they only recorded their own written material.

Lovefridax

Re: "If I Can't Have You" originally written for ABBA

Maxi-saxi - 28.07.2007, 04:22

Barry Gibb wanted to recored an Album with Agnetha But Agnetha at that stage would not fly out to Malibu to record. I think that was around 1984/5 or something.

A shame really I would Have liked the Gibb Brothers to write and produce Agnetha.

After all they did a great job with Barbra Striesand.

Maxi-saxi