Show-Biz Buzz for Monday-Bee-Gee Battle, Silly Songwriter Dies and Regis Retires

It wasn't a happy weekend in Show-Biz for the most part. The Bee-Gees got some bad news about the remaining twin...The writer of a MONSTER money making hit passed away and Regis said his goodbyes after decades of pleasing the public. Let's get started with what's going on with the health of Robin Gibb.

Bee Gees star Robin Gibb is reportedly battling liver cancer. The singer, 61, was ­diagnosed several months ago and has been forced to cancel a number of high-profile ­appearances, according to the British tabloids. He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance last week following an emergency call from his home. Robin’s mother Barbara, 91, and elder brother Barry have flown to Britain from America to be with the Robin, who was back at home after spending five hours in the hospital on Tuesday. Robin’s wife Dwina – a druid priestess – is reportedly trying to persuade Robin to visit a Native American medicine man.

‘Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie’ Writer Dies
Lee Pockriss, who wrote novelty pop hits such as “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” has died in Connecticut after a long illness. He was 87. His wife, Sonja Pockriss, says he died at home in Bridgewater on Monday. In a 2006 interview, Pockriss’ songwriting partner Paul Vance called “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” – about a shy young woman in a skimpy bathing suit – a “money machine.” The novelty song, co-written with Vance, was first released in 1960 by Brian Hyland and rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. The track has been covered several times over the years by artists including Devo, Perry Como and by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy for the 1993 “Muppet Beach Party” album. Pockriss co-wrote several other songs with Vance, including 1957’s “Catch a Falling Star.” He also penned several memorable tunes for “Sesame Street,” including “My Polliwog Ways” and “My Rock.”

Regis Philbin Bids Farewell To TV
After more than two decades hosting “Live!” – first with Kathie Lee Gifford since 1988 and with Kelly Ripa since 2001 – Regis Philbin said farewell Friday morning. Regis retired from “Live! with Regis and Kelly” Friday after 28 seasons. Kelly Ripa will continue on with the show. Philbin, 80, played to his beloved morning TV crowd one last time. “It was a piece of television history,” Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts said after it was over. More than once she was spotted with tears trickling down her face during the finale that included Mayor Michael Bloomberg giving Regis the key to the city, a reworking of “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent,” the unveiling of a plaque with Philbin’s name on the building outside the studio, and lots of video walks down memory lane. The audience was star-studded, including Donald Trump, Diane Sawyer, Joan Lunden, Tony Danza, Meredith Vieira, Alan Alda, Jane Krakowski, Bryant Gumbel, Judge Judy, Dr. Ruth, Kathie Lee Gifford, Frank Gifford, ABC execs, friends and family members. Philbin has logged more than 16,000 hours on television in a career that dates to the 1950s.