One third of Australia’s jive talkin’ falsetto disco exports The Bee Gees’ Robin Gibb, passed away earlier this morning in London from complications arising from cancer and intestinal surgery, according to a statement released by his family, which reads as follows:
“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.”
Gibb had been hospitalized on several occasions in the past two years as cancer spread from his colon to his liver. Only weeks ago he was hospitalised with pneumonia before falling into a coma; however, he regained consciousness and was reportedly able to communicate with his family.
Much like Donna Summer – who is often touted as the Queen of Disco and passed away on Friday – the chirping harmonies and hook-heavy hits of the Brothers Gibb were synonymous with the sound – and look (hirsute men with Farrah Fawcett hair, too-tight flares, plunging necklines laden with gold chains) of the Disco era during the 1970s.
The Bee Gees sold more than 100 million albums (their first in 1963) and achieved six consecutive No. 1 hit singles from 1977 to 1979 with their soundtrack to the generation-defining 1977 film, ‘Saturday Night Fever.’ Hits like “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love?,” “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” all claimed No. 1 status, seeing the record become the biggest-selling album ever, before Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller‘.
Robin Gibb is survived by his brother Barry, his wife and children, Spencer and Robin-John, Melissa and Snow; his sister and mother.
Via Rolling Stone
Image via AFP/Bertrand Guay
