On a somber day more than a decade ago, the world mourned the loss of Robin Gibb, the iconic voice of the legendary Bee Gees. At the age of 62, Robin’s life came to a premature end on May 20, 2012, after enduring a grueling fight with cancer, pneumonia, and a debilitating intestinal disease. His departure marked the close of an extraordinary chapter in music history, yet his timeless legacy continues to resonate across generations. Together with his brothers, Barry and Maurice, Robin shaped some of the most unforgettable anthems of pop and disco, such as the entrancing Massachusetts and the haunting ballad I Started A Joke.
Robin’s unmistakable quivering voice became a defining element of the Bee Gees’ unique sound, elevating him to a distinguished place in musical history. However, his journey with the band was complicated by internal strife. During the late 1960s, tense relations between Robin and Barry triggered a brief but painful split. Nevertheless, Robin returned in the early ’70s, right as the Bee Gees were poised for an explosive surge into disco stardom. This ascent brought monumental success, but personal conflicts between the brothers lingered, casting long shadows that marred their relationship. Even amid Robin’s health struggles in his later years, these divisions persisted.
In 2011, Robin courageously disclosed his battle with colon cancer, which had extended to his liver. Despite the grim diagnosis, he defied expectations by entering remission and remained hopeful, telling his devoted fans he felt “fantastic.” However, in a cruel twist, his health declined dramatically in April 2012. He slipped into a coma, yet miraculously awoke days later — a powerful testament to his indomitable spirit and resilience. Sadly, his reprieve was brief; just weeks later, Robin passed away. His son, Robin-John, later revealed that it was not cancer that claimed his father, but kidney failure, exacerbated by relentless treatments and grave complications.
Reflecting on the turbulent bond they shared, Barry Gibb spoke with palpable regret during Robin’s funeral. He lamented the lingering conflicts that had fractured their relationship and implored others to relinquish grudges. He unveiled a painful reality: the brothers barely spoke during the last five years of Robin’s life, mirroring the estranged dynamic of John Lennon and Paul McCartney within The Beatles. Despite this emotional chasm, Barry shared one poignant final gesture — a tender kiss on Robin’s head, symbolizing a silent, heartfelt reconciliation.
Robin’s final hours were enveloped in love and family warmth. Surrounded by those closest to him, he held their hands as they whispered their farewells. In a profoundly moving moment, Robin-John played I Started A Joke on his phone, gently placing it over his father’s chest as the family united in shared grief. Robin’s last wish was to have the Bee Gees classic How Deep Is Your Love played at his funeral — a stirring tribute to the music that defined his existence.
Despite a complex personal life, marked by an open marriage and familial tensions, Robin’s devotion to his art remained steadfast. His remarkable career, spanning over 50 years, bequeathed a treasure trove of songs that continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Though Robin Gibb’s voice may have fallen silent, his music endures — an eternal reminder of a man who helped define an era.
