Bob Starkie: Skyhooks legend passes away after battle with leukemia

Bob Starkie from the legendary Aussie rock band Skyhooks has passed away aged 73.

The band announced the passing on their Facebook page this morning, writing that he died after a battle with leukemia.

“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,” the statement reads.

“For the past year he has fought the brave fight against leukemia hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows.”

The guitarist was diagnosed with “aggressive leukemia” at the start of the year. 

“Music was in his blood till the very end. 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 statement continues.

“The music always came first and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy.”

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“The members of Skyhooks are exceptionally saddened by the loss of our band mate, and send their condolences to Bobs family.”

The statement also says he passed away while cuddling his “fur baby” Bonnie.

His daughter, Indiana, also released a statement through the band’s Facebook page.

“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”.

The Skyhooks were an iconic Australian rock band that formed in Melbourne in 1973.

The group were classified as glam rock due to their flamboyant costumes and makeup.

They are credited for bringing a unique and distinctively Australian identity to rock music, with witty, socially-aware lyrics.

Starkie was the band’s guitarist, joining the band in 1973, replacing his older brother, Peter Starkie, on guitar.

He was a central part of the band during their period of greatest success in the 1970s.

After the band’s various reunions, Bob Starkie continued to keep their music alive by touring with his own show, Bob “Bongo” Starkie’s Skyhooks Show, which performed the band’s biggest hits around Australia.

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