Today we say farewell to Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb, who has lost his long battle with cancer, aged 62.

Thanks to the incredible success of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, Barry Gibb’s falsetto voice is used by many to describe the sound of the Bee Gees, but during the group’s initial rise to stardom, it was brother Robin’s more vulnerable pitch that drew the most attention. An unsure, yet powerful quiver, his voice sold classics like “I Started A Joke” and made radio stations and fans take notice. In later years, it was utilized to harmonizing perfection, a perfect support for Barry’s smooth high notes. Sadly, that voice is now gone. 

Born in the Isle of Man to English parents, the family later moved to Manchester before settling in Redcliffe, Australia. Gibb began his career as part of the family trio (with brothers Barry and Maurice)  and when the group found their first success they returned to the United Kingdom where they achieved worldwide fame. With record sales estimated in excess of 200 million units, the Bee Gees became one of the most successful pop groups of all time.


Gibb died on 20 May 2012, following a long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery.



One month prior to his death, he caught pneumonia and entered a coma, though he regained consciousness after a week. 
Gibb's wife Dwina, brother Barry, 65, daughter Melissa, 37, and sons Spencer, 39, and Robin-John, 29, reportedly had been keeping a vigil at his bedside in a private hospital in Chelsea, West London.

The Sun quoted Dwina as saying Barry had even been singing to his brother in an attempt to pull him out of his coma.
Gibb's health problems began in October 2010, when he had emergency surgery to treat a blocked bowel. He then had further surgery to treat a twisted bowel -- the condition that led to the death of his twin brother and fellow Bee Gee, Maurice, who died in 2003 during corrective surgery.


Gibb then was diagnosed with colon cancer and it spread to his liver.

On the night of his death a statement was released to the world, saying "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."[