Quote:MIAMI BEACH, Florida -- Bee Gee Maurice Gibb died in hospital on Sunday, his family said.

The 53-year-old had been in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack during an operation to remove an intestinal blockage after he collapsed at his Florida home last week.

A statement released by his family said: "It is with great sadness and sorrow that we regretfully announce the passing of Maurice Gibb.

"His love and enthusiasm and energy for life remain an inspiration to all of us. We will all deeply miss him."

His wife Yvonne and his two children had been with him at the Mount Sinai Medical Centre in Miami since the surgery on Thursday night.

Maurice plays bass and keyboard for the group, whose name is short for the Brothers Gibb.

The Bee Gees -- Maurice, Robin and their older brother Barry -- have lived in South Florida since the late 1970s. Their younger brother, Andy, who had a successful solo career, died in 1988 at age 30 from a heart ailment.

Known for their close harmonies and original sound, the Bee Gees are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and their 1977 contributions to the "Saturday Night Fever" album made it the best selling movie soundtrack ever. Among their disco hits on that album are "Stayin' Alive," "More Than a Woman" and "How Deep Is Your Love."

They also had hits in other genres, including the haunting "New York Mining Disaster 1941" and "I Started a Joke."

The group won seven Grammy Awards together. The Bee Gees last album was in 2001, titled "This Is Where I Came In."

Quote:Stayin' alive, stayin ali....

Quote:Stayin' alive, stayin ali....

Quote:How deep is your love?

Quote:6 feet?

Quote:I bet you waited at least 10 years to make that joke!