After declaring himself “miraculously recovered” after a sustained period of cancer treatment, Robin Gibb has been forced into further surgery, this one reportedly unrelated to his cancer. The 62-year-old Bee Gee has had a tremendously difficult time in recent months with an intestinal issue, one that draws eerie similarities to the ailment that shockingly took the life of his twin brother, Maurice, in 2003.
The statement just released from his personal website reads as follows:
“On Monday evening 26 March 2012, Robin Gibb underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his colon that caused perforation. This follows earlier surgery for a twisted intestine and is unrelated to Robin’s recent illness. Robin underwent the operation successfully, he is awake and has been talking to his doctors. He is currently being monitored and resting in hospital and his family are hoping for his full recovery. We ask that Robin and his family’s privacy be respected during this period. Robin’s promotional commitments for The Titanic Requiem album release have been cancelled for the time being but it remains Robin’s intention to attend the work’s live premiere in London on April 10th. An update on Robin’s progress will be released in due time. Once Robin resumes work any interviews and appearances will be posted here on his website as usual.”
Robin hasn’t looked well for some time, a fact the upbeat news from his media representatives seeks to allay. With more surgery in the middle of a chemo treatment for his cancer, it would seem to be that the illness is at best only stabilized.
But without knowing the facts beyond anything Robin and his people have released, it’s impossible to know. Aretha Franklin was supposedly on death’s door last year, and she has recovered to the point where she’s doing live performances and recording a new album later this year.
Robin has every reason to want to bounce back and quickly. His new album, a classical effort done in collaboration with his son RJ, is based on the sinking of the Titanic. Titled The Titanic Requiem, is out in the UK and will be released in America on April 3rd. He recently performed in public as part of a media effort for promoting the record, but has since bounced back to hospital.
For a preview clip from The Titanic Requiem song “Don’t Cry Alone”, visit Robin’s website HERE. You’ll hear that even of late Robin’s romantic vibrato is still very strong and complementary to the lush arrangement of the song.
Let’s hope that this is the last such treatment for Robin, and that he is able to get back to his life as a musician, a career which has recently reached its fifth decade.
From a personal standpoint, in the days before seeing Barry Gibb deliver his first ever solo concert in the United States on February 22nd, I was enthusiastic that we might see a cameo appearance from brother Robin. After all, though Robin’s health had been a matter of grave concern, he had recently spoken to the press about a miraculous recovery. And what better way to reaffirm that than to stand with his older brother Barry and remind everyone that the Bee Gees are still around to kick it on stage?
Unfortunately, those illusions were shattered when, near the show’s conclusion, Barry solemnly asked for prayers from the audience for his brother. Barry’s words hinted at more than just a physical distance of miles across an ocean, but also of perhaps a more significant estrangement between the two. He then launched into a stirring version of the song composed for and performed with Celine Dion titled “Immortality”.
As a recent convert to the Bee Gees’ storied legacy of song and sound, there’s nothing I want more than to see these two brothers once again on stage, their harmonies mingling to form one of the most unique sounds in pop music history. Best wishes for a fast and complete recovery, Robin!
Until then, here a video of “Immortality” from February 18, 2012, at Barry Gibb’s Love and Hope Ball charity event, where he performed this song in honor of all his brothers: Andy, Maurice and Robin.
And while I’m at it, let me link you to a pinnacle performance by Robin on the haunting track “The Longest Night” from the Bee Gees’ 1987 album ESP. It’s one of my favorites, and as you will hear, it gives Robin a chance to shine as both a singer and songwriter.
Top and bottom photos: Robin Gibb performing with The Soldiers at The London Paladium London, England – 13.02.12 Credit: Carsten Windhorst/WENN.com
Center photo: Robin Gibb at the ITV Studios London, England – 24.10.11. Credit: WENN.com
