Introduction:
Robin Gibb, one-third of the legendary Bee Gees, passed away on May 20, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, pneumonia, and a severe intestinal condition. He was 62. Though his health declined rapidly near the end, Robin’s voice and legacy had already etched themselves permanently into music history. Alongside his brothers Barry and Maurice, Robin helped transform the Bee Gees into one of the most iconic pop groups of all time, with hits like “Massachusetts” and the hauntingly beautiful “I Started A Joke”, a song that remains deeply associated with his trembling, soulful vocals.
Throughout their career, the Bee Gees experienced both extraordinary highs and painful lows. Robin’s relationship with Barry was often strained by creative tensions and sibling rivalry. Though these differences fueled artistic brilliance, they also caused emotional distances that lingered until the end of Robin’s life. Barry, in a heartfelt eulogy, later expressed deep regret over unresolved conflicts with his brother—a sorrow magnified by the loss of all three Gibb brothers over time.
Robin’s health journey was complex. After undergoing surgery for an intestinal blockage in 2010—a condition that also claimed Maurice’s life—doctors discovered a tumor. He was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to his liver. However, by early 2012, Robin was reportedly in remission and optimistic about his recovery. Then, in April, he slipped into a coma. Miraculously, he regained consciousness for a short time, speaking and laughing with his family. But in May, he suffered a seizure, and his kidneys began to fail. Despite glimmers of hope, he passed away surrounded by loved ones in what his son described as a peaceful, dignified moment.
Robin’s final days were filled with emotional weight. His last words expressed longing for his late twin brother Maurice: “I wish Mo were here. I can’t believe he’s gone.” Even as he drifted in and out of consciousness, Robin dreamed of returning to the stage and reuniting musically with Barry. His death left behind not just a musical void, but a personal one for those who loved him most.
Beyond the stage, Robin led a complex personal life. He was married twice—first to Molly Hullis, with whom he had two children, and later to Dwina Murphy, his wife until the end. Despite being in an open marriage, Robin fathered a daughter with Claire Yang, the family’s former housekeeper. While Claire was gifted property and reportedly received financial support, the daughter was excluded from his will—a decision that added controversy to his legacy.
At his funeral in Thame, England, fans and loved ones paid their respects. Per Robin’s request, “How Deep Is Your Love” played as a final tribute to a man whose voice once defined an era. As Barry said in his emotional farewell: “If there’s conflict in your life, get rid of it. In the end, it means nothing.”
Robin Gibb’s story is one of brilliance, heartbreak, and enduring love—a reminder that even icons carry human vulnerabilities behind their fame.