Home / Arts and Entertainment / Australian Rock Icon Bob Starkie Dies at 73
Australian Rock Icon Bob Starkie Dies at 73
29 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie passed away at 73 after a cancer battle.
- He was known for his bold stage presence and elaborate outfits.
- Skyhooks achieved significant success in the mid-1970s Australian music scene.
Bob "Bongo" Starkie, a guitarist for the iconic Australian band Skyhooks, has died at the age of 73. His passing followed a year-long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Starkie was a key figure in Skyhooks' rise, embracing the band's signature theatricality with bold makeup and elaborate costumes, contributing significantly to their unique identity and success.
Starkie joined Skyhooks in 1973, succeeding his brother Peter. The band, formed in Melbourne in 1973, quickly became a dominant force in Australian rock. Their glam-inspired style, provocative lyrics, and theatrical performances, coupled with their debut album "Living in the 70's" topping the charts for 16 weeks, significantly impacted the nation's music scene.
Despite overcoming the earlier tragedy of frontman Graeme "Shirley" Strachan's death in 2001, Skyhooks continued to influence the industry, earning a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1992. Starkie remained a devoted ambassador for the band's legacy until his final days.
