ONE of the most successful pop groups of all time has lost a founding member, talented musician and, above all, a beloved brother.

music may be the furthest thing from Barry and Robin Gibb's minds as they try to come to terms with the death of 53-year-old Maurice, Robin's twin.

But even as they question the treatment of their brother in a Florida hospital, they have created a legacy that will ensure he is not forgotten.

With more than 110 million records sold and awards won by the dozen in a career that spanned five decades, the Bee Gees had already earned their place in pop history.

Not only were they established singers and musicians, they were respected songwriters who penned hits for other stars, and whose songs have been covered by countless others.

Whatever the cause behind it, Maurice's untimely death is all the more poignant as it comes on the eve of the launch of the Bee Gee's latest album. The surviving brothers have vowed to continue but it will never be the same. Their legacy will continue but the Bee Gees "died" on Sunday.