Robin Gibb has died aged 62
Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees has died after a long battle with cancer.
Robin Gibb's 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 Gibb had suffered with ill health for many years. He underwent emergency surgery for a blocked intestine in 2010, having to cancel a number of shows in Belgium.
[Related article: Robin Gibb's wife keeps bedside vigil]
In 2003 aged just 53, Robin's twin brother Maurice died after complications from a twisted intestine.
Robin Gibb had to cancel shows in Brazil in April 2011 after suffering abdominal pains again, and was diagnosed with cancer of the colon after bowel surgery later that year.
He underwent chemotherapy and surgery after being diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
[Related story: The Bee Gee brother with the ethereal voice]
In February this year, he told the BBC he was making a "spectacular" recovery but last month Robin Gibb contracted pneumonia and went into a coma.
He regained consciousness after 12 days, with his son Robin-John saying his father was "completely compos mentis" adding: "He has beaten the odds... he really is something else".
Robin Gibb formed the Bee Gees with brothers Barry and Maurice in 1958 and their hits spanned five decades, including classics like 'Stayin' Alive', 'How Deep Is Your Love' and 'Night Fever'.
Sony Music tweeted: "Rest in peace, Robin Gibb. Thanks for the music."
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini called Robin Gibb "one of the major figures in the history of British music.
"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. Their accomplishments have been monumental.
"Not only have they written their own number one hits, but they wrote huge hit records for Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Celine Dion, Destiny's Child, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, the list goes on and on."
Our thoughts are with Robin Gibbs' family, friends and fans.
