Bob “Bongo” Starkie, the Skyhooks guitarist who shared lead duties with Red Symons, has died aged 73. ABC News reported that he had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia earlier in 2025; Skyhooks’ announcement, dated 29 November 2025, said he had fought the illness while hoping to return to performing.
How did Bob Starkie die?
ABC News reported that Starkie died after a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia, following a diagnosis earlier in 2025. The band’s announcement was attributed by ABC to Skyhooks archivist Peter Green. The Skyhooks news page lists “Bob Starkie 1952–2025” under 29 November 2025 and says he had hoped to get back on the road. These details come from contemporary reporting and band statements, rather than a public medical record.
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The Guardian reported that Starkie’s daughter said he died peacefully, surrounded by friends and family, and listening to Chuck Berry.
Who was Bob “Bongo” Starkie?
Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, replacing his older brother Peter. He was the youngest member of the Melbourne band, and he and Red Symons shared lead-guitar work on its biggest hits, according to ABC News’ obituary.
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Skyhooks built a vivid stage identity around flamboyant make-up and costumes. The band’s statement remembered Starkie as someone who embraced that theatrical presentation while keeping the music central, and who loved touring and playing live.
What made Skyhooks significant in Australian rock?
Formed in Melbourne in 1973, Skyhooks broke through with their debut album, Living in the 70’s, released in October 1974. ABC News reports it spent 16 weeks at the top of Australia’s national albums chart from February 1975. Separately, APRA AMCOS says the album sold 250,000 copies and made Skyhooks the biggest-selling band at the time; that is APRA AMCOS’s reported figure, not a current independently verified sales total.
The band’s songs included “Living in the 70s,” “Ego is Not a Dirty Word,” “Horror Movie,” “Jukebox in Siberia,” “Balwyn Calling” and “You Just Like Me ’Cos I’m Good In Bed.” Skyhooks broke up in 1980 and reunited in 1983, 1984, 1990 and 1994. They entered the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1992.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Starkie do after Skyhooks?
After the band broke up in 1980, Starkie took over The Club in Collingwood and established a recording studio there. APRA AMCOS reports that James Reyne first recorded “Reckless” at the studio. Starkie later kept performing with a Skyhooks tribute band, continuing to tour until his health worsened in 2025.
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Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS chief executive, said: “Skyhooks were quintessential Australian listening in the 1970s, and Bob’s passing is a great loss to that legacy.”
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