Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie dies aged 73 after a battle with cancer
Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie has died aged 73. (Supplied: skyhooksshow.com.au)
Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie has died aged 73 after a battle with cancer.
A statement released on Skyhooks' official Facebook page announced his passing this morning.
"It's with sadness in our hearts that we have to send out this news that early this morning Bob "Bongo" Starkie has passed away," Skyhooks archivist Peter Green said.
Bob Starkie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia earlier this year. (Facebook: Bob 'Bongo' Starkie)
"For the past year, he has fought the brave fight against leukaemia, hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows.
"Bob was the guitarist in the iconic Skyhooks, the youngest in the band, and he embraced the theatrics from striking facial make-up to unique stage costumes. The music always came first, and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy.
"Music was in his blood till the very end", the statement said.
Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, replacing his older brother, Peter.
Peter Starkie died in 2020, aged 72, after complications from a fall.
His daughter, Indiana, also released a statement through the band's Facebook page.
"Our Dearest Grand-Daddy-Bop has peacefully departed, listening to Chuck Berry, snuggling with his fur baby, Bonnie, surrounded by friends and family," she said.
"Daughters Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, partner Chrissy, great mate Ian, and son-in-laws Simon and Chris will miss him dearly. Thank you for all your support. He has felt the love till the very end."
Skyhooks said Starkie "embraced the theatrics from striking facial make-up to unique stage costumes". (Supplied: Noise11 Facebook)
Skyhooks hall of fame
Skyhooks were an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in 1973, known for their flamboyant make-up and costumes.
Their debut album "Living in the 70's" was released in October 1974, and spent 16 weeks at the top of the national albums charts from February 1975.
Bob Starkie and Red Symons shared lead guitar duties on their biggest hits.
Loading...The Skyhooks song "You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good In Bed" was played during 2JJ's (later triple j's) first ever broadcast on January 19, 1975.
The group split up in 1980, before had a series of reunions — in 1983, 1984, 1990 and 1994.
In 1992, they were admitted to the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame.