Stars pay tribute to Robin Gibb (+photos)

Robin Gibb has died after a long cancer battle. Photo / AP

Stars have paid tribute to Bee Gees star Robin Gibb, who lost his battle with cancer yesterday.

The music world has been rocked by the loss of the singer/ songwriter - who sold more than 220 million records and changed the face of disco music alongside his brothers Barry and Maurice in the group - and many have rushed to offer their condolence and pay tribute.

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini described Robin as "one of the major figures in the history of British music".

He added: "What must also be said is Robin had one of the best white soul voices ever. He was singing lead on his first number one when he was 17.

"Everyone should be aware that the Bee Gees are second only to John Lennon and Paul McCartney as the most successful songwriting unit in British popular music.

"Not only have they written their own number one hits, but they wrote huge hit records for Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Celine Dion, Destiny's Child, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, the list goes on and on."

The Bee Gees were famed for their tight vocal harmonies on hits such as Stayin' Alive, Massachusetts, I've Gotta Get a Message to You, How Deep Is Your Love and You Win Again, and helped usher in a new era of pop in the disco era of the 70s.

Run to You rocker Bryan Adams paid tribute, saying: "Robin Gibb RIP. Very sad to hear about yet another great singer dying too young."

Former Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall wrote: "RIP Robin Gibb. A musical giant."

Robin's twin brother, Maurice, died in 2003 after complications following an operation to correct an intestinal blockage, leaving Barry, 65, as the only surviving member of the group.

Singer Justin Bieber also offered his condolences, telling MTV: "I definitely listened to the Bee Gees. I'm not too familiar with them, but it's definitely sad what happened. My heart goes out to him and his family."

Soul legend Stevie Wonder also paid tribute to Robin and Donna Summer - who passed away last week - as he collected the Icon trophy at the Billboard Awards yesterday.

He said: "We live in a world with changes happening more rapidly. We won't see them ever again. That's a heartbreak. The blessing is we're able to feel the pain, which means we were able to feel some love from that person; feel the experiences the music gave us."

Robin is survived by his wife, Dwina, daughter Melissa, 37, and sons Spencer, 39, and Robin-John, 29.

- Bang! Showbiz