A legendary chapter in Australian rock has come to a close. Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie, affectionately known to fans as "Bongo," has passed away at the age of 73 after a courageous fight with leukemia. His loss marks the end of an era for one of Australia’s most flamboyant and trailblazing bands—but his legacy still echoes through every power chord and riff he played.
The band confirmed the heartbreaking news early this morning in a heartfelt statement shared on Skyhooks’ official Facebook page. Skyhooks archivist Peter Green wrote, “It’s with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie early this morning.” Green went on to reflect on Starkie’s relentless spirit, noting, “For the past year, he fought bravely against leukemia, always holding onto the hope of returning to the stage to perform again.”
According to the statement, Bob’s energy and showmanship defined his time with Skyhooks. As the youngest member of the group, he threw himself wholeheartedly into their theatrical style—embracing wild makeup, bold costumes, and that unmistakable Skyhooks attitude. But Green emphasized that for Bob, it was always about the music first. Touring and performing weren’t just part of his job; they were his greatest joy. “Music was in his blood until the very end,” the statement concluded.
Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, stepping into the role vacated by his older brother, Peter Starkie, who sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 72 following a fall. The two brothers shared an unshakeable bond through their music—a connection that will live on through their work.
Bob’s daughter, Indiana, also shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, painting a tender picture of his final moments: “Our Dearest Grand-Daddy-Bop has peacefully departed, listening to Chuck Berry, snuggling with his fur baby, Bonnie, surrounded by friends and family.” She named the loved ones who will miss him most — daughters Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, partner Chrissy, close friend Ian, and sons-in-law Simon and Chris — expressing deep gratitude to fans for their ongoing support during his final chapter. “He felt the love until the very end,” she wrote.
But to truly understand why Bob Starkie meant so much to Australian music, one must look back at Skyhooks’ explosive history. Formed in Melbourne in 1973, Skyhooks became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. With their daring stage presence, face paint, and genre-bending sound, they broke conventions in both music and performance. Their debut album, Living in the 70’s, released in October 1974, stormed the charts—holding the top spot nationwide for 16 consecutive weeks from February 1975. Their cheeky and rebellious hit You Just Like Me ’Cos I’m Good In Bed made radio history as the first song ever played on 2JJ (which would later become triple j) on January 19, 1975.
Though the band officially disbanded in 1980, Skyhooks’ influence never faded. In 1992, they were honored with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a band that helped shape the sound and swagger of Australian rock.
But here’s the part that might surprise some. Despite his fame and success, those close to Bob often described him as humble, kind, and deeply passionate about mentoring younger musicians. He carried himself with the same grounded energy offstage that made his onstage persona so magnetic.
His death leaves a void not only in the Skyhooks family but also in the broader music community that grew up on their songs. Fans across generations are now reflecting on how much of modern Australian rock owes its fearless spirit to bands like Skyhooks—and to players like Bob Starkie, who dared to be different.
Was Bob’s bold theatricality a rebellion or simply an authentic expression of who he was? And how might his legacy inspire the next wave of musicians to break the mold all over again? Share your thoughts—was Starkie’s influence on Australian rock underrated or perfectly recognized?
