Bee Gees star Robin Gibb 'requested How Deep Is Your Love for his funeral'

The songwriter, who has died aged after a lengthy battle with cancer, is said to have told his son Spencer, 40, he wanted the song as he lay on his death bed.

The song, which reached number one in America in 1977, was written by Robin and his brothers Maurice and Barry.

A close friend told the Sun newspaper: “It’s a beautiful song, penned by a beautiful person. It couldn’t be more appropriate when we all say goodbye.”

The 62-year-old singer, who sold more than 200 million records during his remarkable career, also spoke of his late twin brother Maurice in his final moments.

He is said to have told family members: “I wish Mo was here, I can’t believe he is gone.”

A friend told the Daily Mirror Gibb was “incredible to the end,” adding: “He talked constantly about touring again, working with his brother Barry, and about how much he missed Maurice or Mo as he always called him.

“It was very moving to hear him speak so lovingly of his twin brother – as though he had never quite accepted that he had gone and still felt the same amazing connection between the two of them that they’d always had.”

The friend added the “incredibly loving father” had woken from his coma to ask for his son RJ.

Maurice died in January 2003 after complications arising during an operation on a twisted intestine. Robin is said to have found it particularly difficult to come to terms with the death, describing his brother as “part of the fabric of my life”.

Together with brother Barry, the pair helped turn disco into a global phenomenon with hits including Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever, which featured on the soundtrack of the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta.

His family announced his death yesterday prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow members of the music industry.

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini described the musician as "talented beyond even his own understanding" and "one of the important figures in the history of British music", while stars including Bryan Adams and Mick Hucknall also paid emotional tributes.

A statement released by relatives said: "The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery. The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

Gibb had surgery on his bowel 18 months ago for an unrelated condition but a tumour was discovered and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and subsequently of the liver.

He fell into a coma last month after contracting pneumonia and was given 10 per cent chance of survival but astounded loved-ones with his recovery, “beating the odds" just days after doctors said he "was in God's hands".

His younger brother Andy, who was not part of the Bee Gees but a successful singer in his own right, died in 1988 from heart failure at 30.

The Bee Gees' hits catalogue, which also includes Massachusetts, I've Gotta Get A Message To You, Lonely Days, How Can You Mend A Broken Heart and How Deep Is Your Love, led to their induction into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame.

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

"Their accomplishments have been monumental. 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.

"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, that was Massachusetts."

Many people took to micro blogging site Twitter to pay their respects.

A statement posted by Sony Music said: "Rest in peace, Robin Gibb. Thanks for the music."

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott wrote: "Just heard about Robin Gibb.

"A good friend, a brilliant musician and a man who turned all of us into wannabe Travoltas!

"Rest in peace Robin."

Canadian rock star Adams was also among the stars paying tribute, saying: "Robin Gibb RIP. Very sad to hear about yet another great singer dying too young."

British singer songwriter Hucknall wrote: "RIP Robin Gibb. A musical giant," while former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue said: "We start believin' now that we can be who we are – Grease is the word ... RIP Robin Gibb."

Ronan Keating, the singer and former Boyzone member, tweeted: "Just heard about Robin Gibb. I am devastated. Can't believe it. May he rest in peace. My thought and prayers are with his family."

Eighties rock band Duran Duran also posted on their feed: "Sorry to hear about the passing of Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. Our condolences to his friends and family."

Radio disc jockey Mike Read, who was a family friend of Gibb, said the singer had an "incredible voice".

"Robin had the voice, the pathos, and he was a great writer," he added in remarks to BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He had a gift for melody and a gift for lyrics and left a phenomenal legacy, a phenomenal catalogue."

Referring to the Bee Gees, the former BBC Radio One DJ said: "They had every accolade under the sun. They were able to write great commercial songs that touched people over a very long period of time. They had every award, every gold disc, every platinum disc, the Grammys the lot and had been doing it so long but were still so good at it."

American singer Justin Timberlake said: "We have lost a truly brilliant musician. One of my idols. RIP Robin."

LeToya Jackson, sister of Michael, wrote: "Why are we losing so many great artists? Robin Gibb, you will be missed. And we will keep your music Stayin' Alive!"

Dionne Warwick, whose popular song Heartbreaker was written by the Bee Gees, said: "He was wonderful. He had an incredibly witty sense of humour and was fun to be around."

Sir Cliff Richard said: "What the Bee Gees did was stunningly good stuff. For me they just were the best band."

Gary Barlow, Take That singer and X-Factor judge, said: "Such a great loss. His music will outlive us all."

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "He was an exceptional and extraordinary musician and songwriter, a highly intelligent, interested and committed human being."