Fundraiser Launched To Support Skyhooks Guitarist Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie's Cancer Recovery

Just months after the announcement that Skyhooks guitarist Bob “Bongo” Starkie had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” type of leukemia, his family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money in his health crusade.

The fundraiser, launched over the weekend, is seeking to raise a total of $59,000 to help “relieve the financial burden” associated with his treatment and long road to recovery.

“Music is Dads whole world, he has always had a guitar in his hands,” daughter Indiana Starkie Robertson wrote in the fundraiser info. “From the moment he wakes up, trying to get us wild girls to sleep as children, on trains, planes and airplanes, greeting new friends, serenading old pals, even during his hardest days having chemo in Geelong hospital, his guitar was by his side.

“We may not have many more years but as a family we hope to fill those days with love and music.

“We are so grateful for your support,” she added. “The funds with go towards Dad's treatment, rehabilitation and will give us the opportunity to be completely present and care for Dad to get him back doing what he loves, being onstage playing his guitar for all of you.”

At the time of writing, the campaign has raised over $16,000, with Indiana offering an update as to what the support means. “With these funds we have been able to secure another in home round of chemotherapy and 2 days (instead of 1 day per week) of rehab!” she wrote. “We will get dad a swinging those Elvis hips in no time!”

Starkie announced his diagnosis back in late January, revealing that his diagnosis necessitated the cancellation of a pair of sold-out Sydney shows in February.

“This has come as a shock to me and my family,” Starkie said in a statement. “Life has been generous to me up until now, but sometimes, you draw the short straw.”

As the band’s fans know, Bob’s brother, Peter Starkie, was the original guitarist for Skyhooks. Bob replaced Peter in August 1973, before Living In The 70’s was recorded.

Originally released in October 1974, Living In The 70’s was a massive hit for Skyhooks.

Released via Michael Gudinski’s budding Mushroom Records label, the album's initially muted response quickly shifted in early 1975 when it topped the local charts. It stayed there for a massive 16 weeks, becoming the highest-selling Australian album at that time.

Along with fellow new member, Red Symons (who replaced Peter Inglis), Starkie and Symons were the dual guitar sound that was essential to the band’s sound. Bob Starkie has performed in every incarnation of Skyhooks.

Those who wish to donate to Starkie’s GoFundMe campaign can do so here.