Quick Read
- Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, guitarist for Skyhooks, died aged 73 after a year-long battle with leukemia.
- He joined Skyhooks in 1973, replacing his brother, and helped shape the band’s theatrical style.
- Skyhooks became one of Australia’s most influential rock bands, inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1992.
- Starkie hoped to return to the stage for the 50th anniversary of ‘Ego Is Not a Dirty Word’ but was forced to cancel due to illness.
- His family shared he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, listening to Chuck Berry.
Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, renowned for his dynamic guitar work and flamboyant stage presence, has died at the age of 73. The announcement, made by Skyhooks’ archivist Peter Green on the band’s official Facebook page, marked the end of an era for one of Australia’s most influential rock musicians. Starkie passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, following a courageous battle with leukemia that lasted more than a year.
Starkie was more than just the guitarist for Skyhooks; he was the youngest member of a band that helped define the sound and style of Australian rock throughout the 1970s. Known for their daring costumes, theatrical makeup, and infectious energy, Skyhooks were a fixture on television screens, particularly through their appearances on ABC’s ‘Countdown’—a show that became synonymous with the nation’s evolving music scene. Starkie joined the group not long after its formation in Melbourne in 1973, stepping into the role previously held by his brother Peter, a founding member.
Skyhooks quickly rose to prominence, not just for their music but also for their bold stagecraft. Their willingness to push boundaries—both musically and visually—set them apart from contemporaries and cemented their place in Australia’s cultural history. As Peter Green wrote, “The music always came first and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy.” Starkie’s commitment to performance never waned, even as the band navigated several breakups and reformations during the 1980s.
The band’s enduring influence was formally recognized in 1992, when Skyhooks were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. By then, their legacy had been sealed: records like ‘Ego Is Not a Dirty Word’ and ‘Living in the 70s’ were more than albums—they were soundtracks to a generation’s coming of age. Starkie’s guitar work, both melodic and raw, played a central role in shaping that sound.
Despite his declining health, Starkie never lost his passion for music. In August 2025, he revealed to music publication Noise 11 that his battle with leukemia had forced him to cancel a series of live shows planned to mark the 50th anniversary of ‘Ego Is Not a Dirty Word.’ He had hoped to reschedule the performances in the new year, holding onto the possibility of returning to the stage.
Starkie’s daughter, Indiana, shared a poignant tribute on social media, describing her father’s 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.” The message was a reminder of the warmth and love that defined Starkie’s personal life, even as he faced the challenges of serious illness. Indiana, Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, partner Chrissy, great mate Ian, and sons-in-law Simon and Chris will all miss him dearly, she wrote.
Earlier in the year, Indiana had announced Starkie’s diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia, launching an online fundraiser to help cover his medical expenses. On the GoFundMe page, she painted a vivid picture of her father’s devotion to music and family: “From the moment he wakes up, trying to get us wild girls to sleep as children, on trains, planes and airplanes, greeting new friends, serenading old pals, even during his hardest days having chemo in Geelong hospital, his guitar was by his side.” The family recognized that time might be short but hoped to fill the remaining days with “love and music.”
Starkie’s journey was emblematic of the ups and downs faced by many artists. Born in 1952, his entry into Skyhooks was both a family affair and a leap into the creative unknown. The band’s approach—blending humor, satire, and raw emotion—mirrored the eclectic spirit of the era. For those who came of age listening to Skyhooks, Starkie’s guitar was not just part of the music, but a thread in the fabric of Australian pop culture.
As the news of his passing reverberates, fans and fellow musicians alike have paused to reflect on Starkie’s influence. His willingness to embrace risk—whether in costume, composition, or the unpredictable life of touring—served as inspiration to countless performers who followed. The tributes pouring in underscore a simple truth: Bob Starkie was more than a guitarist; he was an architect of joy, energy, and possibility on stage.
What comes next for Skyhooks and those touched by Starkie’s work remains to be seen. But the echoes of his guitar, and the spirit he brought to every performance, will linger in Australia’s musical memory for decades to come.
Starkie’s story reminds us that the heart of music lies not only in the notes played, but in the passion and persistence of those who refuse to let adversity silence their song. His legacy will continue to inspire artists to prioritize authenticity, creativity, and connection—values that endure far beyond any stage.