After the problems that he has had over the last few months, this has to be a blessed release. He was a member of a group that re-formatted their output two or three times to match the market. During the whole time they were writing for other artistes.

Happily there will, I'm sure, be many tributes.

. Ivor



The original and real cat with the swishy tail.
Accept no imitations.

I was really sorry to hear this, Ive. I know he'd been battling a long time, and at one time thought he'd beaten it. RIP indeed.

I don't think I posted this before. Anyway, here it is;


Spirit Having Flown: An Appreciation of Robin Gibb

Today, 24 May BBC Radio 2 - 21:30
Synopsis

Paul Gambaccini looks back on the life and career of one of the greatest songwriters of the last 40 years, Robin Gibb.

After battling liver cancer for over a year, the former Bee Gee passed away at the age of 62. Over his career, Robin notched up more than 200 million album sales worldwide with his brothers and countless number one hits.

In this one-off programme, Paul plays a selection of songs from Robin's extensive back catalogue and some of the many hits he wrote for others - including Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand.

Through this appreciation, Paul will look back on the career of a remarkable man, whose influence on the music industry will not be forgotten.

Related Links (Found on R2 Program website):
BBC News: Music stars pay tribute to Bee Gees singer
Robin Gibb: BBC artist page
The Bee Gees In Concert

Radio 2 In Concert features a headline set from The Bee Gees recorded for Radio 2 at the BBC Radio Theatre in 2001, in tribute to the late Robin Gibb

In a special tribute to the late singer, Robin Gibb tells his own story in words & music drawn from over 40 years of BBC archive, & featuring rarely heard Bee Gees performances.

Robin Gibb talks to Steve Wright in February 2012

Duration
57 minutes

Tragedy. I always rather liked the Bee Gees, although I don't think any of their music found its way into my record or cd collection. It's easy to forget just how many hits they had and how many they wrote for others. A talented bunch, all in all - but not so good at Stayin' Alive.

Robin seemed a decent bloke - apparently he was very good to his cleaner - and championed various charities and causes, including the Poppy Appeal and the Monument for Bomber Command, which is to be unveiled in Green Park next month. A special message was posted on their website on Monday:-

The Bomber Command Association and its many members were deeply saddened to learn that Robin Gibb died last night. We send our love and best wishes to Dwina and all the family. Robin has been a magnificent champion of the Bomber Command Memorial Campaign and without his devoted support and commitment we would not be where we are today. His legacy will be his music; but so too his determination during his illness and from our perspective, his work as President of the Heritage Foundation which brought the Memorial to life. Throughout his illness Robin remained in close touch with the Association and visited the Memorial site earlier this year. Nonetheless, it is a tragedy that Robin will not see the finished article. But Robin did his bit for all who served in Bomber Command and on the behalf of the veterans and the relatives of those who died in WWII, we would simply like to say, "thank you".

Chairman
Bomber Command Association