Bob “Bongo” Starkie was a beloved musician who lived one heck of a life.
Sadly though, that life that has come to an end at 73, after a year-long battle with leukemia.
His band, the Skyhooks, shared the news of his death on Facebook.
“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 read. “For the past year he has fought the brave fight against Leukemia hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows. 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 continued. “The music always came fist and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy.”
The statement added that the band is “exceptionally saddened” by Starkie’s loss and then included a statement from Peter Green of Skyhooks archives.
“Our Dearest Grand-Daddy-Bop has peacefully departed listening to Chuck Berry,” that read. “Snuggling with his fur baby Bonnie, surrounded by his friends and family. 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 Music praised Starkie for being “in the biggest band Australia has ever seen,” and befriending the Great Train Robber Robbie Biggs, among other things. The site said that the Skyhooks “revolutionized the local industry” in Australia when they released, “Living in the 70’s,” their debut album in 1974.
Starkie was remember by many on social media.
“Sad news,” Rohan Connolly wrote on X. “’Living in the 70s’ was a massive game changer for Aussie music and Bongo’s guitar was integral to it. Hard for younger people to appreciate just how big the ‘Hooks were. RIP.”
“Our hearts (are) broken” Gryphon Music wrote on X. “Our gorgeous Skyhooks guitarist mate Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie has lost his brave fight with leukemia, went quickly in his sleep with Chuck Berry playing.”
