Bob "Bongo" Starkie has passed away at 73. The Skyhooks guitarist had long been battling leukemia. The Skyhooks Facebook page confirmed his death on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
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The Skyhooks became an incredibly popular band in Australia during the early 70s. Their debut album, "Living in the 70s," spent 16 weeks at the No. 1 spot on the Australian charts in 1975. As the band's status grew, so did their influence, and now, they're seen as one of the most influential rock bands of their generation.
"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 makeup to unique stage costumes. The music always came first and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy."
Despite the Skyhooks' disbanding in 1980, they have occasionally reunited. Furthermore, the band was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1992. The induction cemented their legacy as one of the greatest groups of their generation.
Other hits from the Skyhooks included "Horror Movie," "Ego Is Not A Dirty Word," and "Let It Rock." The band had a total of five studio albums. They also embarked on reunion tours in 1983, 1984, 1990 and 1994.
Bob Starkie's Daughter Also Issued a Heartfelt Statement
Upon confirmation of his passing, Starkie's daughter, Indiana Starkie, released a heartfelt statement about her father.
"Our Dearest Grand-Daddy-Bop has peacefully departed, listening to Chuck Berry. Snuggling with his fur baby Bonnie, surrounded by friends and family," she wrote. "Thank you for all your support, he has felt the love till the very end".
Alongside Indiana, Starkie is also survived by his daughter Arabella, his grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia and his two sons-in-law Simon and Chris. Starkie was the last living member of the Skyhooks. Now, the band is consigned to the history books.
