Robin Gibb forced to cancel shows

Robin Gibb was forced to cancel a series of Brazilian concerts after being rushed to hospital with abdominal pains.

The Bee Gees star was taken ill yesterday morning (03.04.11) and doctors have warned him not to travel until they fully diagnose the problem.

A spokesman for the singer said: "In the early morning he had terrible pain and he was feeling very ill.

"A paramedic came out and he was taken to hospital. We are not sure what's wrong with him at this stage and are worried.

"We don't know if it is a recurrence of the previous problem or if it is something else entirely."

Last year, Robin underwent surgery for a blocked intestine, the same condition which led to the death of his twin brother and Bee Gees bandmate Maurice in 2003.

He had suffered pains while performing in Belgium and his wife Dwina encouraged him to go to hospital for tests and shortly after scans he was told to prepare for emergency surgery.

He later recalled: "It was a shock. I'd been expecting to go home but instead I was told my intestine could burst at any time and I could be dead within half an hour."

With the Bee Gees, which also included elder brother Barry, Robin has enjoyed five decades of chart hits including the group's '70s disco tracks such as 'Night Fever' and 'Stayin' Alive'.

The 61-year-old star had been due to play a number of shows in Brazil including performances in Sao Paolo and Brasilia and has sent his apologies to fans.