Robin Gibb, one of the legendary voices of the Bee Gees, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 62 after a brave, years-long fight against colon and liver cancer. In his final hours, he spoke with heartfelt longing for his twin brother Maurice, who died in 2003 from complications following bowel surgery.
“I wish Mo were here,” Robin told his family, his voice trembling with emotion. Surrounded by his wife Dwina, daughter Melissa (37), and sons Spencer (39) and Robin-John (29), he lay in a London hospital bed, often drifting in and out of consciousness but never forgetting to speak of Maurice—his mirror and companion since birth.
Despite the doctors’ warnings and his own fading strength, Robin continued to dream of future tours with Barry. “He never once admitted he might not recover,” a close friend told The Daily Mirror. “He talked about singing again, about being on stage with Barry, and about how deeply he missed Mo. It was so moving to hear him speak of their bond as if Maurice were still here with us.”
Barry Gibb, now the last surviving brother at 65, learned of Robin’s passing in Miami, Florida. Plans were made immediately for Barry and their 92-year-old mother Barbara to return to London and mourn together.
In keeping with Robin’s final wishes, his son Spencer was asked to play “How Deep Is Your Love” at the funeral. “He wanted that song to guide us one last time,” a family friend told The Sun. “It’s a fitting tribute to his loving spirit.”
The Bee Gees—Robin, Maurice, and Barry—sold over 220 million records worldwide. Their story was marked by both triumph and tragedy, including the loss of their younger brother Andy in 1988 at age 30 from heart failure.
Tributes poured in from across the music world. John Travolta, who starred in Saturday Night Fever featuring the Bee Gees’ soundtrack, said, “Robin was gifted, generous, and a dear friend. We’ve lost a beautiful soul.” Sir Cliff Richard praised Robin’s “stunningly soulful voice,” while Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, and others celebrated his legacy. Cancer survivor Lance Armstrong added, “It breaks my heart to lose such talent to this disease.”
Robin’s health issues became public 19 months earlier when he underwent surgery for a bowel obstruction. During that procedure, doctors discovered a tumour that led to his colon cancer diagnosis, later spreading to his liver. Just weeks before his death, tests suggested his cancer was in remission, only for a secondary tumour to emerge.
His physician, Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam, said, “We knew the prognosis was grave and prepared the family for the worst. Yet Robin’s courage and iron will inspired everyone around him.”
Robin’s personal life was as rich as his music. He married Molly Hullis in 1968, fathering Spencer and Melissa, and later wed author-artist Dwina Murphy-Gibb, with whom he had Robin-John. In a testament to his accepting nature, Robin acknowledged Snow Robin, his daughter with their housekeeper Claire Yang, ensuring she was cared for and loved by the family.
Born on December 22, 1949, on the Isle of Man, Robin and Maurice followed their older brother Barry into music under the encouragement of their parents, Hugh and Barbara. After moving to Australia in 1958, the brothers performed in local theatres and adopted the name “Bee Gees” (Brothers Gibb), signing with Festival Records before conquering the world stage.
In one of his last interviews, Robin reflected on life’s fragility: “Losing Mo and Andy made me realize you can’t delay living. You must seize every moment.” He recounted his fear upon hearing his diagnosis: “I went into shock—I stopped sleeping and couldn’t eat. Dwina and RJ convinced me to have that scan, and my world changed in an instant.” He faced chemotherapy with Dwina’s support—her health foods and herbal teas bolstering his resolve.
Through bravery and heartfelt honesty, Robin Gibb leaves behind an unforgettable legacy—the soaring falsetto at the heart of disco’s greatest hits and a message to cherish every second. As fans remember him, they’ll hold onto his words:
You don’t need eyes to see beauty. You just need a song.