The Bee Gees star Robin Gibb CBE has passed away on Sunday in hospital aged just 62. The singer-songwriter was recovering from an 18 months spell of colon and liver cancer as well as an on-going intestine problem, the same complication that his twin brother and fellow Bee Gees founder Maurice died from.

His family have released a statement, "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."

Recently he had said that a growth in his colon had "almost gone" and that he was feeling "fantastic." But sadly his condition worsened and he lost his long battle with a lung infection due to pneumonia at hospital.

He was unable to attend the London Premiere of his first classical work a few weeks ago. The Titanic Requiem, is a trio of pieces he composed with his son, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sinking.

Born on the Isle of Man, Robin was most famous for his pop successes through the 1960's and 70's with disco group the Bee Gees. They had sold in excess of 200 million albums and produced hits such as Stayin' Alive,Night Fever and How Deep Is Your Love.

The singer had also embarked upon an illustrious solo career and will be sadly missed in and out of the music industry. In early 2012 he was named as a patron of charity Rock the House, also supported by Alice Cooper and others.

After initial news of his illness first surfaced, Robin said on his official website: “I wish to thank my family, friends and fans and the many thousands of people who do not know me but have enjoyed Bee Gees music and have wished me well.”