The Isle of Man is celebrating the 80th birthday of one of its most famous sons today, with Sir Barry Gibb marking the milestone eight decades after he was born in Douglas.

The last surviving member of the legendary Bee Gees turns 80 today (Tuesday, September 1).

To mark the occasion, Douglas Mayor Steven Crellin recorded a special birthday message for the singer at the Bee Gees statue on Douglas Promenade.

The local authority also took to social media to wish Sir Barry a happy birthday and thank him for the legacy he has given to the world through his music.

It is understood members of Sir Barry’s family and groups of Bee Gees fans are on the island today to mark the occasion.

His cousins, Hazel and Justine Gibb, are visiting the Isle of Man alongside a group of American Bee Gees fans.

Barry Alan Crompton Gibb was born at the Jane Crookall Maternity Home in Douglas on September 1, 1946.

The Bee Gees went on to become one of the world's best-selling musical groups, selling around 180 million albums worldwide.

Their iconic hit Stayin’ Alive has been streamed more than 1.5 billion times on Spotify.

BeeGees1
The Bee Gees (Barry Gibb central) (N/A)

Sir Barry has previously spoken warmly about his Manx roots, describing the island as a ‘sacred place’ which laid the foundation for the group's extraordinary musical journey.

‘It’s my island,’ he said. ‘It’s a very spiritual place, and it always will be.’

The Gibb family lived in several parts of the island, including Spring Valley and Willaston, while Barry recalled exploring the TT race pits as a child, meeting road racing legend Geoff Duke and staging makeshift concerts at the loading bay of the Walls Ice Cream Factory.

His parents, Hugh and Barbara Gibb, had moved to the island before his birth.

The Bee Gees’ connection with the island was formally recognised in 1999 with commemorative stamps and the Freedom of the Borough of Douglas.

Barry also thanked the late broadcaster Bernie Quayle for his support, which helped lead to the brothers recording Ellan Vannin to raise money for Rebecca House.

A bronze statue of the Gibb brothers now stands on Douglas Promenade.

The Bee Gees statue located on Loch Promenade in Douglas
The Bee Gees statue located on Loch Promenade in Douglas (Media Isle of Man )

Although Sir Barry has yet to visit the statue in person, he has promised to return to the island.

He said last year: ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise you that,’ he said.

‘The island was the beginning of everything.

‘I love it with all my heart.’