(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Robin Gibb has died after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The Bee Gees singer passed away on Sunday aged 62. Robin had colon cancer which was thought to have spread to his liver. He had recently fallen into a coma after developing pneumonia, but had regained consciousness.

"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 statement said. "The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

A statement posted on Twitter from Sony Music said: "Rest in peace, Robin Gibb. Thanks for the music."

Robin shot to fame when he formed the Bee Gees with his twin Maurice and brother Barry in 1958.

The group enjoyed success over five decades, releasing hits including Night Fever, Stayin' Alive, How Deep is Your Love and Massachusetts.

The Bee Gees went on to sale more than 200 million albums worldwide, and their soundtrack to the movie Saturday Night Fever was one of the best-selling albums of the 70s.

The band also wrote hit records for stars such as Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Destiny's Child and Cline Dion.

They won a host of Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

More recently, Robin worked on a classical concept album, The Requiem for Titanic, with his son Robin-John. However, he was unable to attend the London premiere in April as he was battling pneumonia.

Robin was born in the Isle of Man and grew up in Manchester, before the family moved to Australia.

Maurice died of intestinal complications in 2003.

Robin was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 but was thought to have beaten the disease. Earlier this year he was found to have a twisted colon.

His wife Dwina recently praised the star for his strength, revealing he had been responding to the family when they played him music. (C) Cover Media