LONDON: Robin Gibb, singer with the legendary British band the Bee Gees, is in a coma in hospital after contracting pneumonia in his battle against cancer, his official website confirmed Saturday.
"Sadly the reports are true that Robin has contracted pneumonia and is in a coma. We are all hoping and praying that he will pull through," said a brief statement on RobinGibb.com.
Gibb had bowel surgery 18 months ago for an unrelated condition but a tumour was found and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and the liver.
Back in February, Gibb said he had made a "spectacular" recovery from his treatment, sparking hopes that his cancer was in remission, but he has since experienced a sharp deterioration.
British media reported Saturday that the 62-year-old was at a hospital in Chelsea, west London, where wife Dwina, his three children and brother Barry -- also of the group -- were keeping a bedside vigil.
Gibb was too ill to attend Tuesday's premiere of his first classical work, "The Titanic Requiem", which he composed with his son RJ Gibb to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the luxury liner on April 15, 1912.
Gibb had been due to perform in person the song "Don't Cry Alone". (AFP)