"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," a note on his web site said Sunday. "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
Gibb had intestinal surgery 18 months ago for an unrelated condition, but a tumor was discovered and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and of the liver.
In February, Gibb announced he had made a “spectacular” recovery from cancer, but in March he underwent further surgery on his intestines. He was forced to cancel all engagements, including the world premiere earlier this month of his first classical work, co-written with his son Robin-John, called “The Titanic Requiem.”
The Bee Gees soundtrack to the 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever," helped propel disco music into a worldwide phenomenon.
Among the band's hits were "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."
Gibb last performed on stage in February, supporting injured British servicemen and women at a charity concert held at the London Palladium.
Gibb's twin brother and Bee Gees bandmate Maurice died from the same bowel condition that initially led doctors to operate on Robin.
