Bob “Bongo” Starkie, the esteemed guitarist for the iconic Australian rock band Skyhooks, has passed away at the age of 73 following a year-long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. His death was officially confirmed on Tuesday via the group’s Facebook page by Skyhooks archivist Peter Green. Green announced that Starkie “passed away early this morning” after a courageous year of treatment, during which he maintained hopes of returning to the stage.

Peter Green fondly remembered Starkie as the youngest member of Skyhooks, who wholeheartedly “embraced the theatrics” that became a cornerstone of the band's identity. This theatricality included bold makeup, elaborate stage outfits, and the distinctive irreverent swagger that propelled Skyhooks to prominence. Despite the visual spectacle, Green emphasized that for Starkie, “the music always came first,” and performing live “was his absolute joy,” underscoring that “music was in his blood till the very end.”

Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, stepping in for his older brother, Peter Starkie, who had been instrumental in establishing the band's early lineup. Peter Starkie himself passed away in 2020 at 72 due to complications from a fall. In a heartfelt tribute shared on the band’s page, Bob Starkie's daughter, Indiana, revealed that her father “peacefully departed, listening to Chuck Berry, snuggling with his fur baby Bonnie, surrounded by friends and family.” She noted he was deeply cherished by his daughters Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, partner Chrissy, close friend Ian, and sons-in-law Simon and Chris, confirming that “He felt the love till the very end.”

Formed in Melbourne in 1973, Skyhooks quickly rose to become one of Australia’s most influential rock acts. They were renowned for their glam-leaning visual aesthetics, provocative lyrics, and electrifying theatrical performances, which provided Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Records with its inaugural major commercial triumph. Their groundbreaking debut album, Living in the 70’s, spent an impressive 16 weeks at No. 1 in 1975, fundamentally reshaping Australia’s pop and rock music landscape. Skyhooks also made broadcasting history in January 1975 when their track “You Just Like Me ’Cos I’m Good in Bed” became the very first song ever broadcast on 2JJ, which later became triple j.

The band has unfortunately experienced tragedy before; frontman Graeme “Shirley” Strachan died on August 29, 2001, at the age of 49. His death occurred in a solo helicopter crash near Mount Archer in Queensland, when turbulence caused the rotor of his Bell 47 to strike the tail boom, leading to the fatal accident. Skyhooks formally disbanded in 1980, but they reunited periodically over the years, with Bob Starkie consistently remaining one of the band’s most active ambassadors. In 1992, Skyhooks received further recognition for their profound impact on Australian music when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, solidifying their legacy as one of Australia’s defining rock acts.