Barry Gibb: 'We are not Bee Gees now'

LONDON, May 27 (UPI) -- Barry and Robin Gibb, while picking up awards at Buckingham Palace, said they no longer want to be called the Bee Gees.

"We are not the Bee Gees now, in respect for Mo," Barry Gibb said, referring to deceased brother Maurice, Britain's Sun reported Thursday. "Maybe the time's just right for a bit of free flight. Maybe at some point we will do something together."

Prince Charles bestowed CBE honors on the surviving brothers. All three brothers had been awarded CBEs, given to British citizens for outstanding achievement. Maurice's son, Adam, accepted the award on his father's behalf.

"It's bittersweet," said Barry, 58. "It would have been wonderful for all three of us to be here. We have mixed feelings. Knowing Mo, this would have been right up his alley. He would have still had his hat on."

Maurice, known for wearing a black trilby hat, died Jan. 12, 2003 at the age of 53.