The singer, songwriter and disco legend was born on the Isle of Man in 1949 and went on to sell more than 200 million records with his brothers Maurice and Barry in the Bee Gees.
Robin had surgery on his bowel 18 months ago for an unrelated condition but a tumour was discovered and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and subsequently of the liver. He passed away yesterday morning.
His family said in a statement: ‘The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery.
‘The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.’
Robin had surgery on his bowel 18 months ago for an unrelated condition but a tumour was discovered and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and subsequently of the liver. He passed away yesterday morning.
His family said in a statement: ‘The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away today following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery.
‘The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.’
The Bee Gees’ biggest hits include Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever from the 1977 film soundtrack Saturday Night Fever, but their renowned back catalogue also numbers international best sellers Massachusetts, I've Gotta Get A Message To You, Lonely Days, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart and How Deep Is Your Love.
In 2004 the Bee Gees were awarded CBEs and received the BASCA Fellowship Award at the 51st Ivor Novello Awards two years later.
Guy Fletcher, PRS for Music Chairman, said: ‘Few people enjoy a career in music lasting more than 50 years yet Robin Gibb was still only 62 when he passed away.
‘With brothers Barry and Maurice, they formed one of the most powerful songwriting teams of all time. Apart from the phenomenal success of the Bee Gees, they enriched the lives of so many international stars, delivering for them some of their most enduring hits; Islands in the Stream, Chain Reaction, How Deep is Your Love and dozens more.
‘Robin was also very active in his support of Bomber Command charities and was President of CISAC, the International Confederation of Authors’ and Composers’ Societies... We have lost a true friend and a unique songwriter.’
In 2004 the Bee Gees were awarded CBEs and received the BASCA Fellowship Award at the 51st Ivor Novello Awards two years later.
Guy Fletcher, PRS for Music Chairman, said: ‘Few people enjoy a career in music lasting more than 50 years yet Robin Gibb was still only 62 when he passed away.
‘With brothers Barry and Maurice, they formed one of the most powerful songwriting teams of all time. Apart from the phenomenal success of the Bee Gees, they enriched the lives of so many international stars, delivering for them some of their most enduring hits; Islands in the Stream, Chain Reaction, How Deep is Your Love and dozens more.
‘Robin was also very active in his support of Bomber Command charities and was President of CISAC, the International Confederation of Authors’ and Composers’ Societies... We have lost a true friend and a unique songwriter.’
For the past five years, Robin had been the voice of three million creators around the world as president of CISAC, representing 232 authors’ societies in 121 countries. He enthusiastically used his position to persuade global policymakers to support creators and promote and uphold the value of copyright.
Olivier Hinnewinkel, Director General of CISAC, said: 'The global creative community and all of us at CISAC are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Robin Gibb.
'Robin was known all around the world as a great songwriter and artist, but he was less well known as an active defender of the rights of creators. Robin Gibb was always incredibly generous with his time as he relentlessly fought for the cause of authors and their rights'
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini described the singer as ‘one of the major figures in the history of British music’, adding that the Bee Gees accomplishments had been monumental.
‘What must also be said is Robin had one of the best white soul voices ever. He was singing lead on his first number one when he was 17; that was Massachusetts.’
Robin’s twin brother Maurice died of a heart attack in 2003 following intestinal surgery.
Olivier Hinnewinkel, Director General of CISAC, said: 'The global creative community and all of us at CISAC are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Robin Gibb.
'Robin was known all around the world as a great songwriter and artist, but he was less well known as an active defender of the rights of creators. Robin Gibb was always incredibly generous with his time as he relentlessly fought for the cause of authors and their rights'
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini described the singer as ‘one of the major figures in the history of British music’, adding that the Bee Gees accomplishments had been monumental.
‘What must also be said is Robin had one of the best white soul voices ever. He was singing lead on his first number one when he was 17; that was Massachusetts.’
Robin’s twin brother Maurice died of a heart attack in 2003 following intestinal surgery.
