Introduction:
When Robin Gibb, one-third of the legendary Bee Gees, passed away in 2012 at the age of 62, the world mourned the loss of a musical genius. For his son, Robin-John “RJ” Gibb, those final hours remain etched in his memory — moments of both heartbreak and profound love.
“I cradled his head and held his right hand. My mother held his left hand. I gave him a kiss and we told him we loved him as we watched him go,” RJ recalled in an interview with the Daily Mail.
For RJ, who shared not only a father-son bond but also a creative partnership with Robin, the loss was deeply personal. “He was my best friend,” RJ said. “We were colleagues and had the same sense of humour. I think about him every day. I miss him dearly. And I am so proud of him.”
The two collaborated on projects such as the song Instant Love and even composed a classical piece together to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking. Though Robin was too ill to attend its premiere at the Royal Albert Hall, RJ proudly played clips for him at his bedside. “It brought a smile to his face,” RJ remembered.
Now a performer in his own right, RJ is preparing to tour with the music of the Bee Gees. Rather than shy away from comparisons, he embraces the connection. “What better shadow to live in? I just hope people will give me the time to listen to my work,” he explained.
Fatherhood has given RJ a new mission: ensuring that his three sons — Max, Teddy, and Oliver — know the grandfather they never had the chance to meet. He plays Robin’s recordings for them, including audio tapes filled with stories and memories. “It doesn’t hurt me to hear his voice. I welcome it and always listen,” RJ said. “I know wherever I go, I’ll always hear his voice.”
For a man who grew up surrounded by music, RJ is carrying forward both a family tradition and a personal vow: to honor his father’s memory not just through performance, but through love, storytelling, and the simple joy of passing songs across generations.
Robin Gibb may be gone, but through RJ, his music, and the voices of his grandchildren who will grow up with his melodies, the legacy of love and song continues.