Legendary Aussie rocker Red Symons has paid a visit to his former Skyhooks bandmate, Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, in hospital.
The n music industry was shocked to hear last week that Bob had been diagnosed with aggressive leukemia.
On Tuesday, Bob, 72, shared on Facebook that his spirits were lifted after the visit from the 75-year-old lead guitarist.
Red was accompanied by his former Hey Hey It’s Saturday bandmate Wilbur Wilde.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the trio appeared happy to be together, with Red proudly placing a supportive hand on Bob’s shoulder.
In his caption, Bob said that the visit was exactly the medicine he needed.
Legendary Aussie rocker Red Symons (pictured) has paid a visit to his former Skyhooks bandmate, Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, in hospital
‘A couple of heavy hitters gave me a visit on the weekend,’ he wrote.
‘Lifted my spirits no end. A lot of memories, laughs.’
Continuing the post, Bob gave fans an positive update on his condition, admitting that he was currently ‘in great shape.’
‘My diagnosis is Acute Myeloid Leukemia which is an aggressive cancer, however having said that it is curable and I am gonna beat this sucker,’ Bob added.
‘I’m in great shape and all the signs are good. I’ve got a great team around me and they’ve taken the attack on without delay.
‘I’m 5 days into chemo. My constant companion is a drip stand with I.V pumps.’
The guitarist took to Facebook last week to reveal his diagnosis.
It comes as Bob’s band were celebrating their seminal album, Living in the 70’s, re-entering the ARIA top ten.
On Tuesday, Bob (centre) shared on Facebook that his spirits were lifted after the visit from the 75-year-old lead guitarist and Red’s former Hey Hey It’s Saturday bandmate Wilbur Wilde (left)
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‘On Friday, January 24th, members of the iconic n band Skyhooks were celebrating the re-issue of their album “Living in the 70’s” entering the Top 10 of the ARIA charts,’ the post read.
‘However, their guitarist, Bob “Bongo” Starkie checked himself into a hospital due to health concerns.
‘Unfortunately, the test results revealed that Bob has been diagnosed with aggressive leukemia.’
The post confirmed the musician has cancelled all upcoming Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie Skyhook shows, including ‘the two sold-out Sydney ‘Rock the Harbour’ events scheduled for Saturday, February 15.
It also included a statement from Bob who said the diagnosis had come as a shock.
‘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.
‘I apologise for any inconvenience; it stresses me to cancel the shows. I’ve been feeling on top of the world with the addition of Sasha in the band, but the situation makes it impossible for the shows to continue at this time.’
The post was met with an outpouring of well wishes from friends, fans and followers.
Bob also gave fans an positive update on his condition, admitting that he was currently ‘in great shape
‘I’m in great shape and all the signs are good. I’ve got a great team around me and they’ve taken the attack on without delay,’ he said
‘We share your shock,’ one fan wrote. ‘We give our positive energy to you. Good luck in the next fight.’
Another chimed in with: ‘If anyone can beat it, you can mate!! All the best wishes. Get well soon my friend.’
Others were quick to tell the musician that apologising for cancelling shows was not necessary.
‘Bit shocked to hear the news Bob, thoughts are with you and your family mate, gigs can wait, stay positive, take care of the Bongo,’ another offered.
‘Take the time to get well.’
Speaking to News Corp, Skyhooks archivist Peter Green said the band’s legion of fans were ‘saddened’.
‘We are all shocked and saddened by this news,’ he told the publication.
‘I’ve known Bob since I was 15 and know what a fighter he is. The band and those close to Bongo stand by him during these tough times.’
The shock diagnosis came as Skyhooks were celebrating their seminal album Living In the 70’s re-entering the ARIA top ten
Never a band that was afraid to court controversy, six of the album’s ten tracks were banned from radio due to questionable lyric content
Skyhooks exploded onto the Aussie pop charts with their seminal 1974 debut album Living In The 70’s.
The band were known for their flamboyant costumes and makeup and their lyrics which often referenced n places and culture.
Never a band that was afraid to court controversy, six of the album’s ten tracks were banned from radio due to questionable lyric content.
Despite this, the track You only Like Me Cos I’m Good In Bed was the first song played by your station Double J (later Triple J) when it debuted in January 1975.
The album went on to spend 16 weeks at the top of the n charts, becoming the highest-selling album by a home grown act at the time.
In 2011, the iconic album was added to the National Film and Sound Archive of ‘s Sounds of registry.
The band went on to release four more studio albums, including 1975’s Ego Is Not A Dirty Word and 1976’s Straight in A Gay Gay World.
Bob’s diagnosis comes after his brother Peter, also a member of Skyhooks, died in 2020 after falling off a ladder at his home in Victoria.