Bee Gees star Gibb dies at 62 after cancer battle
BEE Gees singer Robin Gibb has died after a lengthy battle with cancer and intestinal surgery. He was 62.
Gibb had been battling colon cancer and nine days ago it emerged the cancer had spread to his liver.
He fell into a coma last month after developing pneumonia, but regained consciousness and had r e mained in intensive care at The London Clinic.
Gibb’s family, who have held a constant bedside vigil for him, had been playing his favourite music to try to rouse him.
Doctors first discovered a cancer tumour when he had surgery on his bowel 18 months ago for an unrelated condition.
Gibb’s twin brother and bandmate Maurice died from the same bowel condition that initially led doctors to operate on Robin. His younger brother Andy, who had a solo singing career, died in 1988 from heart failure at the age of 30.
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini paid tribute last night saying Gibb was “talented beyond even his own understanding” and had “one of the best white soul voices ever”. He added: “The Bee Gees are second only to Lennon and Mccartney as the most successful song-writing unit in British popular music.”
Gibb’s musical career began when he formed the Bee Gees with his brothers Barry and Maurice in 1958. They went on to become one of the biggestselling groups of all time with hits spanning six decades including Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, Massachusetts and Night Fever.
Astatement released last night said: “The family of Robin Gibb announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery.”