Blair leads tributes as Bee Gee Robin Gibb loses cancer battle

Gibb, 62, sold more than 200 million records and notched up dozens of hits with brothers Maurice and Barry. He had been ill for many months with a serious bowel condition, and had battled pneumonia in addition to colon cancer.

Mr Blair said yesterday: “Robin was not only an exceptional and extraordinary musician and songwriter, he was a highly intelligent, interested and committed human being.

“He was a great friend with a wonderful open and fertile mind and a student of history and politics.”

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini dubbed him “one of the important figures in the history of British music”.

Ringo Starr told of his admiration for the Bee Gees’ vocal talents. Starr said: “God bless him and God bless his family.

“I didn’t know him that well, I knew Maurice more than the other two, but he had a great voice and they wrote great songs.”

The Bee Gees’ song catalogue included I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, How Deep Is Your Love and Stayin’ Alive.