Bee Gees statue tribute proposed for Queensland

QUEENSLAND Premier Campbell Newman says he is in favour of building a statue to honour pop icons the Bee Gees, as long as the state government doesn’t have to pay for it.

His comments come after the death of singer Robin Gibb, who lost his long battle with cancer.

In a statement released on Monday morning (AEST), Gibb’s UK-based family announced his death with “great sadness”.

Gibb, 62, who had undergone intestinal surgery, notched up dozens of hit songs with brothers Maurice and Barry – as performers and writers – and sold more than 200 million records.

The brothers grew up in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, and went on to win acclaim around the world.

Mr Newman says he would be in favour of a Bee Gees statue in Brisbane or Redcliffe, but the decision would ultimately rest with the mayors of those cities.

He says funding for the statue would not come from the state.

“I’d prefer to see a public appeal. This has got to come from the heart,” he told reporters in Brisbane on Monday.

“If people want to recognise the brothers in this way, it’s a great thing and we’d be very supportive.”

Redcliffe MP Scott Driscoll on Monday paid tribute to Gibb.

“On this sad day we reflect on an extraordinarily talented musician and performer who will be missed by so many people, not only in Redcliffe but right around the globe,” Mr Driscoll said in a statement.