This rock legend's tragic diagnosis shocks fans, forces show cancellations
- Replies 5
The Australian music community is mourning the devastating news that a legendary guitarist from an iconic rock band is facing a serious health battle.
The announcement comes as the band celebrates renewed attention, with one of their classic albums recently returning to the ARIA top ten.
Fans and fellow musicians have expressed an outpouring of support. Despite the heartbreaking news, the band’s legacy continues to resonate with generations of listeners.
Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, whose riffs and stage presence helped define the sound and image of Skyhooks, shared the devastating news on social media, prompting a wave of support and well-wishes from fans, friends, and followers.
Starkie was diagnosed with aggressive leukemia and was forced to cancel all upcoming shows, including the highly anticipated 'Rock the Harbour' events in Sydney, which had already sold out.
Bob expressed his shock and regret over the situation in a statement that accompanied the announcement.
'This has come as a shock to me and my family. Life has been generous to me up until now, but sometimes you draw the short straw,' he said.
His concern for the fans was evident as he added, 'I apologise for any inconvenience; it stresses me to cancel the shows.'
The Skyhooks guitarist's health concerns had led him to check into a hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Bob's spirit remains unbroken, and the support from the community has been overwhelming.
Fans have rallied around him, offering messages of hope and encouragement.
'We share your shock,' one fan wrote. 'We give our positive energy to you. Good luck in the next fight.'
Skyhooks, a band synonymous with the 1970s Australian music scene, is remembered for their flamboyant costumes, makeup, and lyrics that often referenced Australian places and culture.
They were never shy of controversy, with six tracks from Living In the 70's being banned from radio play due to their provocative content.
Yet, their boldness and authenticity endeared them to a generation of music lovers.
The band's impact on Australian music was profound. Their debut album dominated the charts for 16 weeks and became the highest-selling album by an Australian act at the time.
Recognising its cultural significance, Living In the 70's was added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia's Sounds of Australia registry in 2011.
Skyhooks' legacy continued with four more studio albums, including hits like Ego Is Not A Dirty Word and Straight in A Gay Gay World.
The band's influence on Australian rock cannot be overstated, and Bob 'Bongo' Starkie has been a pivotal part of that journey.
The news of Bob's diagnosis is particularly poignant as it follows the loss of his brother Peter Starkie, also a former member of Skyhooks, who tragically passed away in 2020.
The band and its extended family have faced their share of challenges, but the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of adversity continue to inspire.
We also invite our readers to share their memories of Skyhooks and messages of support for Bob in the comments below.
Let's band together in solidarity for a rock legend who has given us so much through his music and performance.
The announcement comes as the band celebrates renewed attention, with one of their classic albums recently returning to the ARIA top ten.
Fans and fellow musicians have expressed an outpouring of support. Despite the heartbreaking news, the band’s legacy continues to resonate with generations of listeners.
Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, whose riffs and stage presence helped define the sound and image of Skyhooks, shared the devastating news on social media, prompting a wave of support and well-wishes from fans, friends, and followers.
Starkie was diagnosed with aggressive leukemia and was forced to cancel all upcoming shows, including the highly anticipated 'Rock the Harbour' events in Sydney, which had already sold out.
Skyhooks guitarist Bob 'Bongo' Starkie has been diagnosed with aggressive leukemia, leading to the cancellation of upcoming shows. Credit: Facebook
Bob expressed his shock and regret over the situation in a statement that accompanied the announcement.
'This has come as a shock to me and my family. Life has been generous to me up until now, but sometimes you draw the short straw,' he said.
His concern for the fans was evident as he added, 'I apologise for any inconvenience; it stresses me to cancel the shows.'
The Skyhooks guitarist's health concerns had led him to check into a hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Bob's spirit remains unbroken, and the support from the community has been overwhelming.
Fans have rallied around him, offering messages of hope and encouragement.
'We share your shock,' one fan wrote. 'We give our positive energy to you. Good luck in the next fight.'
Skyhooks, a band synonymous with the 1970s Australian music scene, is remembered for their flamboyant costumes, makeup, and lyrics that often referenced Australian places and culture.
They were never shy of controversy, with six tracks from Living In the 70's being banned from radio play due to their provocative content.
Yet, their boldness and authenticity endeared them to a generation of music lovers.
The band's impact on Australian music was profound. Their debut album dominated the charts for 16 weeks and became the highest-selling album by an Australian act at the time.
Recognising its cultural significance, Living In the 70's was added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia's Sounds of Australia registry in 2011.
Skyhooks' legacy continued with four more studio albums, including hits like Ego Is Not A Dirty Word and Straight in A Gay Gay World.
The band's influence on Australian rock cannot be overstated, and Bob 'Bongo' Starkie has been a pivotal part of that journey.
The news of Bob's diagnosis is particularly poignant as it follows the loss of his brother Peter Starkie, also a former member of Skyhooks, who tragically passed away in 2020.
The band and its extended family have faced their share of challenges, but the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of adversity continue to inspire.
Let's band together in solidarity for a rock legend who has given us so much through his music and performance.
.png){kind=icon}
