A rock legend whose guitar riffs defined a generation has taken his final bow. Bob “Bongo” Starkie, the iconic guitarist of the Australian '70s rock group Skyhooks, has passed away at 73 after a courageous fight against leukemia. But here’s where the story gets emotional—music truly pulsed through his veins until the very end.
Skyhooks archivist Peter Green announced the heartbreaking news on the band’s official Facebook page on Friday, November 28. In the post, he shared that Starkie had battled leukemia for the past year, determined to return to the stage and perform again. Green wrote that it was with deep sadness that they shared the news of his passing early that morning, adding that his spirit for music and performance never faded.
Green also reflected on Starkie’s electric presence in Skyhooks, describing him as the youngest member who fully embraced the band’s creative flair. From his striking makeup to his flamboyant stage outfits, Starkie embodied the theatre of rock – yet, as Green emphasized, the music itself always came first. Touring and performing live, he said, brought Bongo sheer joy.
The guitarist’s daughter, Indiana Starkie, later released a heartfelt statement celebrating her father’s peaceful final moments. She revealed that her beloved “Grand-Daddy-Bop” passed away while listening to Chuck Berry, cuddled up with his loyal dog Bonnie, surrounded by family and friends. “Thank you for all your support,” she shared, “he felt every ounce of love until the end.”
Starkie is survived by his daughters, Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, his partner Chrissy, and sons-in-law Simon and Chris. Notably, he was the last surviving member of Skyhooks—a bittersweet end to one of Australia’s most groundbreaking rock groups.
Skyhooks first formed in Melbourne in 1973, created by Greg Macainsh and Imants Strauks. The band originally included Bongo’s brother, Peter Starkie, who was later replaced by Bongo himself. With Red Symons joining on guitar and vocals, and Graeme “Shirley” Strachan later stepping in as lead vocalist, the lineup became one of the most recognizable in Australian rock history.
Between 1974 and 1977, Skyhooks soared to stardom, becoming one of the nation’s most influential acts. Their debut album, Living in the 70’s, dominated the charts, sitting at No. 1 for a staggering 16 weeks in 1975. The band also made radio history with their cheeky hit You Just Like Me ’Cos I’m Good in Bed, the first song ever played on 2JJ (now ABC’s Triple J) in January 1975. Their catalog also included cult favorites like Horror Movie and Jukebox in Siberia.
In recognition of their impact, Skyhooks were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1992. Their bold lyrics, theatrical performances, and fearless commentary on Australian culture redefined what rock ‘n’ roll could be in the country.
Bongo Starkie’s passing marks more than the loss of a musician—it ends a chapter in rock history that many fans say will never be replicated. But here’s the part most people miss: beyond the glitter, humor, and outrageous outfits, Skyhooks paved the way for Australian bands to be unapologetically themselves.
Do you think today’s rock artists have that same fearless creativity, or has the raw spirit of the 1970s been lost in modern music? Share your take—this is one music legacy that still sparks debate.
