It’s hard to hear “Stayin’ Alive” without thinking of the Bee Gees — those soaring harmonies, the falsetto, the energy. Behind that sound were three brothers, and among them Robin Gibb brought a soulful, trembling voice that gave the group its emotional anchor. He lived a life of music, family, and public battles, both with illness and with his own brother. This article traces the key moments of his life — from his marriages and the feud with Barry to the song that played at his funeral.
Born: 22 December 1949 ·
Died: 20 May 2012 (age 62) ·
Known for: Bee Gees singer ·
Record sales: Over 100 million
Quick snapshot
- Robin Gibb was a member of the Bee Gees (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- He died of colon cancer on 20 May 2012 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- He was married to Dwina Murphy at the time of his death (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- The song “Rings Around The Moon” was played at his funeral (Paisley and Poppies – memorial blog)
- The exact nature of the final rift between Barry and Robin Gibb
- Whether Robin Gibb had any romantic relationship with Barbra Streisand
- 22 December 1949 – Born in Douglas, Isle of Man (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- 20 May 2012 – Died at age 62 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- 8 June 2012 – Funeral in Thame, Oxfordshire (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- Annual fan remembrances continue; the official fan club posted a 2025 tribute noting Dwina’s visit to his grave (Official Bee Gees Fan Club – GSI)
Eight key facts, one pattern: Robin Gibb’s life was a tight weave of music, marriage, and mortality.
The table below captures the essential biographical data.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Robin Hugh Gibb |
| Born | 22 December 1949 |
| Died | 20 May 2012 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1958–2012 |
| Spouse(s) | Molly Hullis (m. 1968–1980), Dwina Murphy (m. 1985–2012) |
| Children | 3 |
| Genres | Pop, rock, disco |
Who was the love of Robin Gibb’s life?
Robin Gibb’s first wife Molly Hullis
Robin Gibb married Molly Hullis in 1968, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1980 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia). Molly, who worked as a secretary, was the mother of his first child, Spencer Gibb.
Robin Gibb’s second wife Dwina Murphy
In 1985 he married Dwina Murphy, an author and artist, and remained with her until his death (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia). Dwina was a constant presence during his final months and, according to the official fan club, visited his resting place on 20 May 2025 with their son RJ (Official Bee Gees Fan Club – GSI).
Robin Gibb’s relationship with Barbra Streisand
Rumors of a romantic link to Barbra Streisand have circulated for decades, but no credible source has confirmed the relationship. The question remains unanswered and sits firmly in the unclear column.
Why didn’t Barry and Robin Gibb get along?
The Bee Gees internal tensions
The Gibb brothers had a well-documented feud over creative control and financial matters (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia). An episode in 1969 saw Robin briefly leave the group after he felt that Barry’s growing influence was sidelining his contributions.
Barry Gibb’s dominant role
Barry, the eldest, naturally took the lead as frontman and chief songwriter. This dynamic created friction, especially as the Bee Gees’ sound evolved from pop-rock to disco — a shift that Robin reportedly resisted.
Robin Gibb’s solo career
Robin attempted a solo career after leaving the group in 1969, releasing the single “Saved by the Bell.” He rejoined in 1970 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia), but the tensions never fully disappeared. The exact cause of the final rift remains unclear, though many point to Barry’s control over the “Saturday Night Fever” era decisions.
Barry’s dominance gave the Bee Gees a clear creative direction — but it came at the cost of brotherly peace. For Robin, the deal meant sharing a stage with a sibling he could never fully reconcile with.
What song was played at Robin Gibb’s funeral?
Rings Around The Moon
The song “Rings Around The Moon” was played at Robin Gibb’s funeral on 8 June 2012 (Paisley and Poppies – memorial blog). Written by Robin himself, the piece was a haunting choice — a self-composed farewell.
Bee Gees songs at the funeral
In addition to “Rings Around The Moon,” classic Bee Gees tracks were reportedly included in the service, though no official setlist has been published. The funeral itself took place at St. Mary the Virgin Churchyard in Thame, Oxfordshire (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia).
Funeral details
Held on 8 June 2012, the service drew family, friends, and fans. Barry Gibb gave a eulogy, and Dwina Murphy spoke about their marriage. The choice of Robin’s own composition as the closing song underscored the deeply personal nature of the ceremony.
“Rings Around The Moon” is more than a funeral song — it’s Robin Gibb’s final artistic statement, chosen by him for his own goodbye.
What disease did Robin Gibb have?
Robin Gibb’s cancer diagnosis
Robin Gibb was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia). He underwent surgery and initially appeared to be recovering, but the cancer returned.
Colon cancer and liver metastasis
The cancer spread to his liver, and despite aggressive treatment, his condition worsened. Public appearances ceased in early 2012, and news of his decline spread through fan communities.
His final months
Robin Gibb died on 20 May 2012 at age 62 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia). The official cause was liver failure secondary to colon cancer. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes, including a 2025 Instagram post marking the 14th anniversary (Instagram – social media post).
Robin’s cancer was caught in 2010, but by the time it was discovered it had already metastasized. Early detection might have changed the outcome, but colon cancer often goes undetected until late stages.
What health condition does Barry Gibb have?
Barry Gibb’s health issues
Barry Gibb has had a heart condition and underwent surgery for a blocked artery in 2014 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia). He remains active, performing occasional shows and writing memoirs.
Barry Gibb’s age and current status
As of 2025, Barry Gibb is 78 years old and the last surviving Bee Gee after Robin’s death and Maurice’s death in 2003. He continues to manage the Bee Gees’ legacy and has spoken about the loss of his brothers in interviews.
Timeline of Robin Gibb’s life
- 22 December 1949 – Born in Douglas, Isle of Man (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- 1958 – Gibb family moves to Redcliffe, Australia
- 1966 – Bee Gees release first single “Spicks and Specks”
- 1969 – Robin Gibb briefly leaves the Bee Gees
- 1970 – Rejoins the Bee Gees
- 1977 – Bee Gees release “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack
- 2010 – Diagnosed with colon cancer
- 20 May 2012 – Dies at age 62 (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
- 8 June 2012 – Funeral held in Thame, Oxfordshire (Wikipedia – general encyclopedia)
Confirmed facts
- Robin Gibb was a member of the Bee Gees
- He died of colon cancer on 20 May 2012
- He was married to Dwina Murphy at the time of his death
- The song “Rings Around The Moon” was played at his funeral
What remains unclear
- The exact nature of the final rift between Barry and Robin Gibb
- Whether Robin Gibb had a romantic relationship with Barbra Streisand
“Dwina spent time at Robin’s resting place together with son RJ on 20 May 2025.”
— Official Bee Gees Fan Club (Fan Club – GSI)
“Robin Gibb’s death continued to be the subject of memorial writing years later, reflecting the deep bond fans still feel.”
— Roxborogh Report (Roxborogh Report – personal blog)
Robin Gibb’s story is one of immense musical achievement shadowed by family estrangement and early death. For the millions who grew up with his voice, the choice to remember him is clear: listen to the records, let the harmonies speak, and accept that some riddles — like the final feud with Barry or the whispers about Streisand — may never be answered.
Related reading: Who Died Today? Latest Famous Celebrity Deaths News · Carl Thomas Dean: Cause of Death, Age, Marriage & Tribute Song
The Gibb family’s musical legacy extends beyond the Bee Gees, as seen in the tragic story of his younger brother Andy Gibb who also found fame before his untimely death.
Frequently asked questions
What was Robin Gibb’s cause of death?
Colon cancer that spread to his liver, leading to liver failure. He died on 20 May 2012.
How many children did Robin Gibb have?
Three: Spencer Gibb (with Molly Hullis), and two children with Dwina Murphy, including son RJ.
Who was Robin Gibb’s wife?
He was married to Molly Hullis from 1968 to 1980, and to Dwina Murphy from 1985 until his death.
What were Robin Gibb’s biggest songs?
With the Bee Gees: “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Night Fever.” Solo: “Saved by the Bell.”
Did Robin Gibb have a solo career?
Yes, he briefly left the Bee Gees in 1969 and released solo singles. He later recorded solo albums in the 1980s and 2000s.
Where is Robin Gibb buried?
St. Mary the Virgin Churchyard in Thame, Oxfordshire, England.
What was Robin Gibb’s net worth?
Estimates vary around $100–150 million, largely from Bee Gees royalties and catalog sales.
Thomas Grant leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Australia Watch.