Bob Bongo Starkie’s Death Confirmed
Bob Bongo Starkie has died aged 73 after dealing with cancer for much of this year. His family shared the news, saying he passed away peacefully while surrounded by people close to him. They said he had rock and roll music playing in the room, and his dog was beside him during his final hours.
Bob Bongo Starkie, guitarist for Skyhooks, passed away aged 73 after a battle with cancer
His daughter wrote a message describing the quiet moments before he died. She said family members were with him through the night and kept the space calm for him. The family also thanked everyone who had checked in or sent messages since his diagnosis.
Family Shares His Final Moments
The family explained that he remained settled during his last hours. They said he knew they were close and stayed aware of the room around him. The message mentioned his partner, children and grandchildren, who had been by his side during treatment.
They also shared how much the public support meant to them. Many fans had followed his situation since he announced his illness earlier in the year. Messages from supporters continued to arrive as his health worsened.
Bob Bongo Starkie’s Years With Skyhooks
Bob Bongo Starkie joined Skyhooks in the early 1970s, stepping into the band as they moved towards their first album. He replaced his older brother on guitar and quickly became an essential part of the group’s sound. His approach to guitar helped shape the direction the band took on stage and in the studio.
Skyhooks went on to release well-known albums such as Living in the 70’s and Ego Is Not a Dirty Word. These records became part of Australian musical culture. Starkie’s guitar work played a central role in the style that helped the band stand out at the time.
His Health Struggles Through the Year
Bob Bongo Starkie revealed his cancer diagnosis early in 2025. He confirmed that he was dealing with aggressive leukaemia and needed to step back from performing. This forced him to cancel an anniversary tour planned for one of the band’s milestone albums. He later gave updates, though his health continued to decline throughout the year.
Fans and musicians responded with support, including fundraising efforts to assist with his medical care. Many sent messages of strength, and the family said these gestures meant a great deal to him.
Tributes From Bandmates and Supporters
Members of Skyhooks issued a statement following the news of his death. They described him as the youngest member of the group and praised his long commitment to music. They said he carried the band’s energy with him well beyond its major touring years.
Public tributes also came from musicians, fans and people who had seen him perform over the years. Many shared personal memories of his shows and the influence he had on their love for local music. Social media was filled with messages throughout the day after the announcement.
His Influence on Australian Rock
Bob Bongo Starkie played a major part in shaping the sound of Australian rock during the 1970s. His mix of guitar skill and showmanship helped Skyhooks grow into one of the most recognisable bands of that period. The group often pushed boundaries with both music and style, and Starkie was a key part of that.
Even long after the band’s peak popularity, he continued to perform and stay connected to the music world. He remained closely tied to the group’s identity and helped keep its music present for younger audiences. His efforts ensured that Skyhooks’ work continued to reach new listeners.
Public Response to His Passing
As the news spread, people shared memories and stories about the times they saw him on stage. Many said his presence during live performances stayed with them long after the shows ended. Others spoke about how the band shaped their teenage years or introduced them to Australian rock.
Tributes are expected to continue as fans revisit the band’s music. Many people described a sense of loss while also remembering what he brought to the music scene. His long career left a mark that will not fade quickly.
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Final Thoughts
Bob Bongo Starkie leaves behind decades of work that helped shape Australian rock. His family’s tribute reflects how deeply he was loved, both as a musician and as a person. His contribution to Skyhooks and to local music will continue to be remembered for many years.
