For many of us, Skyhooks' music is woven into the fabric of our memories—those wild, colourful days of the 1970s, when Aussie rock was at its most daring and defiant.

Now, one of the band’s most loved members has opened up about a battle far tougher than any chart rivalry or on-stage mishap: his fight against aggressive leukemia.

At 72, his life has been anything but earlier this year, as Skyhooks’ iconic debut album made a triumphant return to the ARIA top ten, he received the devastating news of his diagnosis.


Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie’s journey has been harrowing since then.

On top of intensive cancer therapy, he’s faced a string of serious health complications: bleeding on the brain, dangerous leg clots, an eye operation, and a terrifying bout of sepsis that landed him in intensive care for a week.

It’s the kind of medical marathon that would test even the toughest among us.


Despite these setbacks, Bob’s spirit remains unbroken. In a recent interview, he spoke candidly about the emotional and financial toll of his illness.

Like many Aussies facing a health crisis, the costs quickly piled up. But in a heartwarming show of support, fans rallied around him, raising $25,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.

‘It has been amazing because all these people have anonymously donated all this dough,’ Bob shared.

‘It has taken a bit of the stress and pressure off and allowed me to get rid of my credit cards and reduce my debt and just get on with things.’

Throughout his ordeal, Bob’s daughter Indiana has been by his side.

She described her father’s health journey as ‘pretty scary’ but also found moments of lightness amid the darkness.

While Bob was hospitalised for weeks, the pair would watch episodes of Married at First Sight and ABC’s Hard Quiz together.

‘He needed to have a laugh,’ Indiana said, proving that sometimes, a good giggle is the best medicine.

In true rock’n’roll fashion, Bob isn’t letting illness keep him from the spotlight.

After cancelling gigs earlier in the year, he recently returned to the stage for the Legends of Countdown show on the Gold Coast.

It’s a testament to his resilience—and his love for performing—that he’s back doing what he does best, even while managing ongoing health issues.

There’s good news, too. In March, Bob took to social media to share a photo with Indiana and fellow music legend Wilbur Wilde, announcing that his leukemia is in remission.

‘I’m heading home from hospital,’ he wrote.

‘It’s been six weeks and a bit of a wild ride. But my blood counts are good, and the leukemia is in remission. Still a way to go.’

For those who may not know, Skyhooks weren’t just a band—they were a cultural phenomenon.

Their debut album, Living in the 70’s, spent 16 weeks at the top of the Australian charts and became the highest-selling album by a homegrown act.

Their flamboyant costumes, cheeky lyrics, and willingness to push boundaries (six tracks from their debut were banned from radio!) made them icons of Aussie music.

In 2011, the album was added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Sounds of Australia registry—a fitting tribute to their lasting impact.

Bob’s story is also tinged with personal loss. His brother Peter, also a Skyhooks member, tragically passed away in 2020 after a fall at home.

It’s a reminder of how precious—and fragile—life can be.

Bob’s journey powerfully reminds us of the challenges many Australians face as they age, especially when it comes to health and the unexpected hurdles it can bring.


Have you or someone you love facing a health battle like Bob’s? How did you find support, and what helped you through the tough times? We’d love to hear your stories and words of encouragement in the comments below.