Kevin O'Toole, a founding member of the iconic nineties dance group N-Trance, has disclosed a remarkable and startling interaction with Bee Gees legend Maurice Gibb. This revelation follows the dance act's massively successful cover of the Bee Gees' classic track "Stayin' Alive," which unexpectedly rejuvenated the band's image.
The Unexpected Success of a One-Off Cover
In 1995, N-Trance, already celebrated for their global smash "Set You Free," released a cover of "Stayin' Alive" featuring the late Ricardo d Force. Initially conceived as a singular project with no intentions of pursuing further covers, the track astonishingly sold over three and a half million copies. This commercial triumph pressured their former record label to demand more similar releases, despite the group's original plans.
Maurice Gibb's Humorous and Grateful Response
According to Kevin O'Toole, the Bee Gees, despite their monumental success in the 1960s and 1970s, were not considered "cool" during that era. The connection was made through an acquaintance who knew Barry Gibb, leading to the song being shared. Barry approved, and although N-Trance used impressionists to mimic the Bee Gees' voices, the result was so convincing that listeners couldn't distinguish it from the original.
The pivotal moment occurred backstage at a concert in Blackpool, where N-Trance, dressed in 70s attire, hastily changed after a performance. Maurice Gibb entered and jokingly remarked, "You're the guys who stole our song!" He then expressed sincere gratitude, stating, "Thanks for making us cool again!" Kevin recalled a poignant anecdote where, when purchasing a Bee Gees best-of album, a shop assistant humorously pretended to blow dust off it, symbolising the renewed interest sparked by N-Trance's cover.
Challenges with Other Covers and Career Evolution
N-Trance later tackled Sir Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?," which proved more challenging to clear due to Stewart's reported disenchantment with the song. After negotiations and assurances about using a different singer, permission was eventually granted. Reflecting on their hiatus, Kevin noted that the passage of time feels distorted, with plans for a 2012 comeback delayed by Ricardo's death and personal milestones like marriage and fatherhood.
New Music and Nostalgic Themes
The group has recently released a new single titled "Higher," described by singer Rachel Chambers as capturing the N-Trance essence with a modern twist. Recorded on the same equipment as "Set You Free," including an identical microphone, the song is tailored for arenas rather than intimate dance clubs. MC B emphasised the timeless, generational appeal of their music, which transcends age and borders.
The music video for "Higher" was filmed at an eerie, disused military base, adding a creepy yet historically rich backdrop. Rachel recounted hearing unexplained voices on set, while a DeLorean time machine was incorporated to symbolise being "lost in time." DJ Junior K described the location as filled with trap doors and disused sofas, enhancing the spooky atmosphere.
Legacy and Independent Ventures
Kevin, now older than the Bee Gees were during "Stayin' Alive's" release, has launched his own record label, named in honour of Ricardo. He expressed relief at no longer being constrained by major labels, which often demanded replicas of past hits like "Set You Free." DJ Junior K criticised previous labels for their indecisiveness, highlighting the creative freedom they now enjoy.
Despite decades in the industry, Kevin remains amazed by the enduring popularity of "Set You Free," originally intended for a night out at the Haçienda. The song's legacy even includes a more relaxed version created with Sam Ryder, catering to diverse listener experiences. As N-Trance continues to tour and innovate, their ability to connect with audiences worldwide remains a testament to their lasting impact on the music scene.
