Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb loses battle with cancer

The world of music lost one of its biggest stars as Robin Gibb died yesterday following his lengthy battle with cancer.

A family statement said: "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 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".

The star fell into a coma last month after contracting pneumonia but his family later said he had "beaten the odds" just days after doctors said he "was in God's hands."

At the time, his son Robin-John Gibb said his father was "completely compos mentis."

Doctors said they were "confounded" by the 62-year-old Gibb's progress after he was given a 10% chance of survival.

His family maintained a bedside vigil while he was been treated at a central London hospital.

Gibb's relatives sang to him and wife Dwina said that he had cried when she played him the song Crying by Roy Orbison.

Gibb had surgery on his bowel 18 months ago for an unrelated condition but a tumour was discovered and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and subsequently of the liver.

Tributes have already flooded in on Twitter following the announcement of his death