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Robin Gibb dead, aged 62

Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb has died after a long battle with cancer.

In a statement, Gibb's family announced his death with "great sadness".

Gibb, 62, who had undergone intestinal surgery, notched up dozens of hits with brothers Maurice and Barry - as performers and writers - and sold more than 200 million records.

"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 statement released on Sunday said.

The Bee Gees' song catalogue, which includes Massachusetts, I've Gotta Get A Message To You, Lonely Days, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, 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.

Gibb's twin brother Maurice died of a heart attack in 2003 following intestinal surgery.

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini said Gibb was "talented beyond even his own understanding".

"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," Gambaccini said.

"Their accomplishments have been monumental. Not only have they written their own number one hits, but they wrote huge hit records for Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Celine Dion, Destiny's Child, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, the list goes on and on.

"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."

The Bee Gees from left, Maurice, Barry and Robin. Photo: AAP
The Bee Gees from left, Maurice, Barry and Robin. Photo: AAP

Robin, along with his brothers Barry and Morris, formed the Bee Gees after moving to Brisbane from Manchester, England in 1958.

The group enjoyed moderate success in Australia before moving back to their native England and writing their earliest hits, including "New York Mining Disaster 1941," "I Started a Joke," "Massachusetts," and "I've Gotta Get a Message to You."

The group cemented its status as music superstars by writing the soundtrack to the classic hit Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta in 1975.

The group's contribution to the Saturday Night Fever album in 1977 made it the best-selling movie soundtrack ever, with more than 40 million copies sold.

In a flash The Bee Gees - short for the Brothers Gibb - became famous around the world for their tight, high harmonies, snappy melodies and original sound.

In total, the group achieved nine number one songs and in terms of records sold are fifth in pop history behind Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney.

Gibb also led a successful solo career and released seven albums under his own steam, including this year's Titanic Requiem to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

The Bee Gees continued to tour over the following decades, garnering a worldwide following as audiences fell in love with the group’s incredible harmonized vocals.

Their final album, This Is Where I Came In, was released in 2001, two years before the death of Maurice in 2003 brought the group to its end.

Robin Gibb arrives at the World Music Awards 2010. Photo: Getty Images
Robin Gibb arrives at the World Music Awards 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Robin and Barry last appeared together in 2010 with appearance on American Idol, and to induct ABBA into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Shortly after this, Robin was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer.

After a ‘miracle’ recovery last year, he suffered a relapse and lapsed into a 12 day coma in April.

The singer cheated death twice in the mid-1960s, surviving a family car crash in Australia and later a train disaster in London that killed 49 people.

The singer always maintained his connection to Australia, releasing the song Alan Freeman Days in tribute to the radio DJ and appearing as a mentor on talent show The X Factor.

The Bee Gees, the 'kings' of disco , were nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Jackson 5. Photo: AAP
The Bee Gees, the 'kings' of disco , were nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Jackson 5. Photo: AAP

A vegan and a tee-totaller, in a recent interview Gibb pondered whether his illness was 'karma' for the fame and fortune he enjoyed.

"I sometimes wonder if all the tragedies my family has suffered, like Andy and Maurice dying so young and everything that's happened to me recently, is a kind of karmic price we are paying for all the fame and fortune we've had," he said.

A Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gibb once said he wanted the Bee Gees hit How Deep Is Your Love played at his funeral.

He leaves behind his wife Dwina Murphy Gibb and three children, Spencer, Melissa and Robin-John.