Few names in Australian music conjure up as much nostalgia and admiration as Bob’ Bongo’ Starkie. As the guitarist for the legendary Skyhooks, he helped define the sound and spirit of the 1970s, with hits that still get toes tapping and memories flowing.
But behind the scenes, the 72-year-old has been fighting a battle far tougher than any chart rivalry or on-stage mishap: an aggressive form of leukemia.
The news of Starkie’s illness came as a shock, not just to his family and friends but also to the legions of Skyhooks fans who still celebrate the band’s iconic album Living In the 70s.
In a bittersweet twist, the diagnosis arrived just as the album re-entered the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) top ten in January—a testament to its enduring appeal nearly 50 years after its release.
Leukemia alone would be enough to sideline most people, but Starkie’s journey has been complicated by a series of ‘side health issues’ that would test even the toughest among us.
He’s endured bleeding on the brain, leg clots, an eye operation, and a terrifying bout of sepsis that landed him in intensive care for a week.
Despite these setbacks, Starkie’s resilience has shone through. In a recent interview, he credited the support of fans and loved ones for helping him through the darkest days.
‘It has been amazing because all these people have anonymously donated all this dough,’ he said, referring to the $25,000 raised via GoFundMe to help cover his mounting medical bills.
‘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.’
Starkie’s daughter, Indiana, has been a constant source of strength throughout his ordeal. She set up the GoFundMe page and kept spirits high during extended hospital stays.
‘He needed to have a laugh, so we would watch Hard Quiz and MAFS with him,’ she revealed.
A return to the stage
True to his showman roots, Starkie hasn’t let illness keep him from doing what he loves. After cancelling gigs in February, he recently returned to the stage for the Legends of Countdown show on the Gold Coast.
Starkie took to social media in March to share some long-awaited good news: his leukemia is in remission.
‘I’m heading home from hospital,’ he wrote, posting a photo with Indiana and fellow music legend Wilbur Wilde.
‘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.’
Skyhooks: A legacy that endures
For those who remember the wild costumes, cheeky lyrics, and boundary-pushing performances, Skyhooks were more than just a band—they were a cultural phenomenon.
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. The band’s willingness to court controversy (six of the album’s ten tracks were banned from the radio) only added to their legend.
Their influence is still felt today, with Living In the 70’s added to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s Sounds of Australia registry in 2011.
And who could forget that the irreverent ‘You Only Like Me Cos I’m Good In Bed’ was the first song Double J played (now Triple J) when it launched in 1975?
Starkie’s journey has not been without heartbreak. In 2020, his brother Peter—also a Skyhooks member—tragically passed away after a fall at his home.
The loss was devastating, but Starkie’s determination to keep performing and connecting with fans is a fitting tribute to his brother’s memory.
Have you or someone you love faced a similar health battle? How did you find support, and what helped you through? We’d love to hear your stories and reflections in the comments below.
Also read: ABBA’s legendary sound engineer passes away at 80—band pays heartfelt tribute
