Robin Gibb dies aged 62

Robin Gibb dies aged 62
Robin Gibb dies aged 62 (Image credit: PA)

The entertainment world has led tributes to Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb after the "musical giant" lost a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 62. Robin, who sold more than 200 million records and notched up dozens of hits with brothers Maurice and Barry, had recently undergone intestinal surgery. His family announced his tragic death with "great sadness" on Sunday prompting an outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow members of the music industry. Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini said the performer and songwriter was "talented beyond even his own understanding" and dubbed him as "one of the important figures in the history of British music". Stars including Canadian rocker Bryan Adams and British singer songwriter Mick Hucknall also paid emotional tributes. A statement released by Robin's loved-ones said: "The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away 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' song catalogue, which includes Massachusetts, How Deep Is Your Love and Stayin' Alive, led to their induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2003, Robin appeared as a judge on the second series of Fame Academy. Robin was also a guest mentor on the Australian version of The X Factor in 2010. Gambaccini said: "Everyone should be aware that the Bee Gees are second only to Lennon and McCartney as the most successful songwriting unit in British popular music. "What must also be said is Robin had one of the best white soul voices ever." Bryan Adams paid tribute, saying: "Robin Gibb RIP. Very sad to hear about yet another great singer dying too young." Mick Hucknall wrote: "RIP Robin Gibb. A musical giant," while former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue said: "We start believin' now that we can be who we are - Grease is the word... RIP Robin Gibb."

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.