By late 1966, the family decided to return to England and seek their fortunes there.
Very soon after their arrival in January 1967, the Bee Gees were signed by Robert Stigwood, and added Australian musicians VinceMelouney (guitar) and former child actor Colin Petersen (drums).
Their first single recorded in England was "New York Mining Disaster 1941" (1967), a surreal, haunting and macabre song that made the Top 20 on both sides of the Atlantic.
The quality of the single, with its evocative, intriguing lyrics and striking harmony, provoked premature comparison with the Beatles and gained the Bee Gees a UK hit.
During this period the trio was supplemented by Australian friends Colin Peterson (drums) and VinceMelouney (guitar).
The second UK single, "To Love Somebody", departed from the narrative power of their previous offering towards a more straightforward ballad style.