R.I.P. Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees

And now, there is one Bee Gee...Robin Gibb passed away earlier today after a long bout with advanced colorectal cancer, and due to complications from intestinal surgery.  He was 62.  In April, the Bee Gee went into a coma after contracting pneumonia, and then surprised doctors by waking within a few days.

Here is the announcement from the family, as posted on Robin's web page:

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.

Brothers Barry, and twins Robin and Maurice Gibb (12-22-49), were born in Manchester England. They were raised in Australia, and were performing at an early age. They first hit the pop charts and radio airwaves with "New York Mining Disaster 1941 (Have You Seen My Wife Mr. Jones)" in 1967. In 1968, they scored their first Top 10 Hit: "I Gotta Get A Message To You." A string of hits followed through the mid 1970s, but the brothers really hit their stride, and cemented their superstar status with the "Saturday Night Fever" Soundtrack in 1977. "How Deep Is Your Love," "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever" all hit Number 1 for a combined total of 15 weeks of chart dominance in 1977 and 1978. "Too Much Heaven," "Tragedy," and "Love You Inside And Out" from the "Spirits Having Flown" album reached Number 1 in late 1978, and into 1979.  Then came the "disco backlash." The brothers continued to write songs, and produce songs, for other artists, but their own offerings would languish til 1989, when "One" went to number 7 on the U.S. Pop Charts.

Robin Gibb scored his only notable solo chart hit in 1978, with his version of "Oh! Darling" from the "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" Soundtrack. The song went to number 15. The movie, starring the three Gibb brothers, Peter Frampton, and other notables from late 1970s, was widely hyped...and roundly panned.

Youngest brother Andy Gibb passed away in 1988. Robin's twin, Maurice, died in 2003.

Rest In Peace, Robin Gibb!