The music world is mourning the loss of Bob 'Bongo' Starkie, the celebrated guitarist of the iconic Australian rock band Skyhooks, who has died at the age of 73.
Starkie passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, surrounded by close friends and family. His daughter, Indiana, shared that he was listening to the music of Chuck Berry at the time of his passing.
A Courageous Battle with Illness
The band's archivist, Peter Green, confirmed the sad news in a post on the official Skyhooks Facebook page, revealing that Starkie had been fighting acute myeloid leukaemia for the past year.
"The members of Skyhooks are exceptionally saddened by the loss of our band mate, and send their condolences to Bob’s family," the statement read. It highlighted his brave fight against the disease and his unwavering passion for music, which remained "in his blood till the very end."
Earlier in 2023, his daughter Indiana started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his medical expenses after his diagnosis. She wrote on the page about his profound connection to his guitar, a constant companion even during his most challenging chemotherapy sessions in Geelong hospital.
Embracing the Skyhooks Persona
Born in 1952, Bob Starkie joined Skyhooks shortly after its formation in Melbourne in 1973. He took over the guitar role from his brother, Peter, one of the band's original founders.
As the youngest member, Starkie fully embraced the band's flamboyant and theatrical style. He was known for his striking facial makeup and unique stage costumes, becoming a visual staple of the group's identity. Despite the glamour, the band's statement emphasised that "the music always came first" and that touring was his greatest joy.
Skyhooks rose to become one of Australia's most culturally significant rock acts. Their daring sound and visual style found a massive audience through performances on the ABC's legendary music television show, Countdown.
A Lasting Musical Legacy
After reaching their peak popularity in the 1970s and experiencing several break-ups and reformations in the 1980s, Skyhooks' influence was formally recognised when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1992.
Even in his final year, Starkie's dedication to his craft was evident. In an August interview with Noise 11, he discussed how his illness had forced him to cancel a series of live shows planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band's second album, 'Ego Is Not A Dirty Word'. He had remained hopeful that the shows could be rescheduled for the new year.
He is survived by his partner Chrissy, daughters Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, and his great mate Ian.
