Introduction:
In a candid and emotional interview, Robin-John Gibb—son of Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb—has spoken out to correct a widely held misconception about his father’s passing. Contrary to popular belief and numerous media reports, Robin Gibb did not die from cancer. According to his son, the true cause of death was kidney failure.
Speaking to The Express, Robin-John—often referred to as R-J—shared details of his father’s final moments, describing them as “peaceful and dignified.” Surrounded by 14 close family members and friends who maintained a constant bedside vigil, Robin Gibb passed away at age 62, leaving behind a towering musical legacy.
“It wasn’t the cancer that killed my father; those reports are wrong,” R-J said unequivocally.
He explained that his father had actually entered remission before his passing.
“The cancer was completely unrecognizable—it was too small to detect. No scan could see it. He actually died of kidney failure,” R-J clarified.
Adding to the complexity of his father’s condition, R-J revealed that Robin Gibb also suffered from liver failure, which rapidly worsened his health.
“It was a really sudden downturn,” he said. “Dad was watching DVDs when he had a seizure. Afterward, he was given sedatives to manage the side effects of his chemotherapy, but his liver simply couldn’t process them.”
Despite the severity of his illness, Gibb never lost his will to live. According to R-J, his father asked the family to try every possible means to keep him alive—regardless of how futile it may have seemed. This request reflected the resilience and strength that not only defined Gibb’s music career but also his personal spirit.
The confusion surrounding the cause of death likely stems from the official statement released at the time, which mentioned Gibb’s battle with cancer. Many media outlets interpreted this as the cause of death, unintentionally creating an inaccurate narrative—one that R-J is now determined to correct.
Robin Gibb, one-third of the iconic Bee Gees trio alongside his brothers Barry and Maurice, helped shape the sound of an era. From timeless disco anthems like “Stayin’ Alive” to moving ballads like “How Deep Is Your Love”, his voice and songwriting left an indelible mark on music history.
To honor his legacy, a memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in September, giving fans and loved ones the opportunity to celebrate the life of a man whose voice touched millions.
Robin Gibb’s death marked the end of a musical era, but thanks to the efforts of his son to preserve the truth—and the enduring power of his music—his spirit continues to live on. May he rest in peace.