Bob Starkie, guitarist for the legendary Australian rock band Skyhooks, has died aged 73 after a battle with leukaemia. His passing was announced in a statement on the band’s official Facebook page this morning.
Skyhooks archivist Peter Green wrote: “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. For the past year, he has fought the brave fight against leukaemia, hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows. Music was in his blood till the very end.”
Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, replacing his older brother Peter Starkie, who died in 2020 at age 72 following complications from a fall. As the youngest member of the band, Bob embraced its flamboyant theatrics from striking facial make-up to unique stage costumes while keeping the music at the heart of his passion.
Formed in Melbourne in 1973, Skyhooks became one of Australia’s most iconic rock acts, known for their bold style and satirical lyrics. Their debut album, “Living in the 70’s”, released in October 1974, spent 16 weeks at the top of the national charts from February 1975, cementing their place in music history.
+ There are no comments
Add yours