Bob “Bongo” Starkie was one of Australian rock’s most colourful and enduring guitarists — a player whose sharp riffs, cheeky humour, and rhythmic pulse powered Skyhooks from Melbourne cult heroes to national icons.

Bongo's journey before, during, and after the band reflects a musician who never lost his spark. Starkie passed away on 29 November 2025, prompting an outpouring of affection from fans and fellow artists who saw him as a vital thread in the fabric of Australian music.

Growing up in Melbourne, Bob was drawn to guitar early and spent his young adulthood shaping his craft in pubs, clubs, and rehearsal rooms.

He played in a string of local outfits where he built a reputation for clean, punchy rhythm work and an upbeat stage presence. Even before he had a national profile, musicians around the city knew him as reliable, talented, and quietly charismatic — the sort of guitarist other bands wanted to poach.

Starkie joined Skyhooks in 1973, stepping into a band that would become one of Australia’s most influential rock acts.

Skyhooks arrived like a shockwave: irreverent, glammy, theatrical, and unmistakably Australian.
Bob’s guitar style became a pillar of their sound — tight, melodic, rhythmic, and full of playful swagger.

His work powered hits from Living in the ’70s and Ego Is Not a Dirty Word, including classics like “Horror Movie,” “You Just Like Me ’Cause I’m Good in Bed,” “Ego Is Not a Dirty Word,” and “Women in Uniform.”

Onstage, Bob brought a grounded confidence that balanced the band’s wilder theatrical edges. He wasn’t the loudest personality in Skyhooks, but his presence was essential — the rhythmic engine room that kept the glitter-covered chaos driving forward.

After the band’s original era wound down, Starkie remained a working musician through and through. He played in a variety of groups, collaborated widely, and stayed active across Melbourne’s music scene.

Eventually, he took on a role that fans adored: fronting Bob Starkie’s Skyhooks Show, a touring act that kept the band’s catalogue alive with humour, heart, and authenticity. Unlike a tribute act, this was the real thing — Starkie playing the music he helped make famous. Audiences loved him for it, and the shows often became celebrations shared across generations.

He also contributed frequently to interviews, documentaries, and retrospectives, offering his memories with warmth and clarity. Starkie took pride in the band’s legacy and made sure the stories — and the songs — stayed alive.

In his final years, Starkie continued performing and engaging with the music community whenever his health allowed. His death led to a wave of tributes across Australia.

Artists, fans, music journalists, and former bandmates remembered him as a generous, grounded musician who gave everything to his craft and never lost his sense of fun.

Bob “Bongo” Starkie leaves behind more than riffs and records — he leaves behind decades of memories, laughter, friendship, and the unmistakable sound of Skyhooks, a band that helped Australia find its own voice in rock ’n’ roll. From his early days in Melbourne pubs to his final shows proudly flying the Skyhooks flag, he stayed true to the music and the people who loved it.

His legacy will continue to ring out every time a Skyhooks classic blasts through a speaker.

In this episode we explore Bongo's musical life, listening to hin tell his own story, in his own words. Whether you're already familar with the band Skyhooks, or just discovering them for the first time, I'm sure you're going to enjoy hearing Bob's story.

For more information, comments or feedback, head to ny website https://www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

Gladys Knight & the Pips hold an essential place in American music history, but within the ensemble’s smooth choreography and signature harmonies, one member often stood out for his quiet consistency, unmistakable stage presence, and velvet-textured vocals: William Guest.

His contributions helped shape the unmistakable sound of the group, even if he wasn’t always the one in the spotlight.

The story begins in Atlanta, Georgia, where Gladys Knight was already turning heads with her powerhouse vocals as a child.

In 1952, after winning a televised talent competition, she joined forces with her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight and cousins Edward Patten and William Guest.

The four formed a family group called The Pips, named after another cousin, James “Pip” Woods.

Even in the early days, Guest’s natural musicality was obvious. His voice had a warm, fluid tone, and he possessed a dancer’s instinct — smooth, rhythmic, and always in total sync with the group.

Throughout the '50s and early ’60s, The Pips worked tirelessly, playing hometown shows and steadily building a reputation for their professionalism and perfectly blended harmony parts.

William was a key part of the group’s vocal chemistry. While Gladys carried the lead, it was William, Edward, and Bubba who built the lush vocal bed the group became famous for.

Their first hit, “Every Beat of My Heart,” arrived in '61 and put the group on the national radar. But the real transformation came in '66 when they signed with Motown Records.

Surrounded by giants of the era, Gladys Knight & the Pips carved out their own lane. What many don’t realise is just how physically demanding the group’s work was during the Motown years.

William wasn’t simply a backing singer — he was part of the group’s visual identity. His dance lines with Bubba and Edward became part of the group’s signature.

In '73, after moving to Buddah Records, the group hit an extraordinary creative stride. “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” and “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” defined an era, and William Guest was right there at the heart of it.

Behind the scenes, he was known as a gentle, steady soul — humble, thoughtful, and devoted to the craft. His professionalism was legendary: he rehearsed meticulously, respected the group’s tight vocal blend, and helped maintain the discipline that kept the band performing at an elite level for decades.

The group continued releasing hits through the ’70s and ’80s, including “Love Overboard,” which won a Grammy and introduced the group to a new generation. By the time they retired in '89, they had become one of the longest-running and most respected vocal groups in American music.

William Guest didn’t step away from music after the group’s farewell. Instead, he poured his energy into nurturing new talent.

He co-founded the Crew Records label and later the Gladys Knight & the Pips Foundation, focusing on youth development and musical education — a reflection of his belief in giving young performers the kind of opportunities he’d had as a child.

When Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in '96, it was a moment that finally spotlighted the collective contributions of all four members — including the man whose steady artistry helped carry the group across four decades.

William Guest passed away in 2015. His sister in law, author Lady Dhyana Ziegler spent years interviewing him and recently published his story " Midnight Train From Georgia"

It speaks of his voice, his movement, and his unwavering commitment to excellence that helped shape one of the greatest soul ensembles of all time .

Lady D joins us today to share the story of William Guest whose influence lives on in the countless R&B vocal groups who model themselves on the Pips’ precision and style today.

Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers on 30 July 1944 in Somerton, St. James Parish, Jamaica, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of reggae’s most beloved and influential figures.

His parents worked modest jobs on a rural farm, and from a young age, Cliff showed a natural gift for singing. As a child, he sang in his church choir; by his early teens he had moved with his family to Kingston, determined to carve out a career in music.

At just 14 years old, Cliff scored his first hit with the self-penned single “Hurricane Hattie”, a song that nods to his own miraculous arrival during a storm.

With his early success in Jamaica, he soon caught the attention of producer Leslie Kong, whose Beverly’s label would provide a platform for Cliff to record more material and refine his style.

In 1965, Cliff followed an invitation from Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, to move to the United Kingdom.

While in London, he experimented with combining ska, rocksteady, and soul influences, earning recognition beyond Jamaica. Over the late 1960s, he released key tracks like “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam”, the latter gaining admiration for its protest message.

A turning point in his career—and in the global recognition of reggae—came in 1972 with the film The Harder They Come, directed by Perry Henzell. Cliff starred as Ivan Martin, a small-time musician who is forced into a life of crime. The movie’s gritty realism and its all-star soundtrack, featuring Cliff’s vocals on songs such as “Many Rivers to Cross”, “Sitting in Limbo”, and the title track itself, resonated widely. The film is often credited with helping bring reggae to a wider international audience.

Though Cliff continued to release music through the 1970s, he also explored his spiritual side—spending time in Africa and embracing Islam, as well as other spiritual practices.

In the 1980s, he returned to a more mainstream sound and released Cliff Hanger, winning his first Grammy Award in 1985.

The success continued: in 1993, his cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” for the Cool Runnings movie soundtrack became a global hit, reintroducing his voice to a new generation.

Throughout his life, Cliff recorded prolifically—producing over 30 albums. His later work continued to reflect his commitment to social justice: in 2012, his album Rebirth, co-produced with Tim Armstrong of Rancid, won him another Grammy.

In 2022, he released Refugees, a deeply humanitarian record inspired by global crises, which he used to voice solidarity with displaced people.

Jimmy Cliff’s influence extended far beyond his singing. He collaborated with a wide array of artists—from the Rolling Stones to Annie Lennox to Paul Simon—and his songs were covered by many others, underlining the universal appeal of his message.

In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

In Jamaica, he was honored with the Order of Merit, one of the nation’s highest accolades.

On a personal level, Cliff was intensely private. He had several children, and his longtime partner, Latifa Chambers, survived him. His wife announced his passing on 24 November 2025, revealing that he died following a seizure and pneumonia.

Jimmy Cliff’s legacy is defined not just by his music, but by the spirit it carried: hope, resistance and unity. From his rural Jamaican beginnings to global stages, he remained true to his message and his people. In his words, he always believed in crossing to the other side—to higher ground.

Now, his journey has come full circle, but his songs continue to carry that same power to uplift, to challenge, and to heal.

To learn more about Jimmy Cliff head to his website https://www.jimmycliff.com/

Tom Hambridge is a Grammy Award-winning drummer, songwriter, and producer whose fingerprints are all over modern blues and rock music.

Known for his powerhouse drumming, soulful songwriting, and Grammy-winning production work, Hambridge has built an extraordinary career that bridges the worlds of stage and studio — working alongside some of the biggest legends in American music.

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Tom began playing drums at the age of five, showing an instinctive sense of rhythm that would shape his life.

He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his craft not only as a drummer but also as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

Before becoming one of Nashville’s most in-demand producers, Hambridge led his own band, Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes, building a devoted following for his high-energy live shows and original songs that blended blues, rock, and Americana influences.

Hambridge’s reputation as a go-to songwriter and producer skyrocketed when he began collaborating with blues icon Buddy Guy.

Their creative partnership produced a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Skin Deep, Living Proof, and The Blues Don’t Lie. These records not only revitalized Guy’s career but also earned multiple Grammy Awards and Blues Music Awards, cementing Hambridge’s place as one of the leading producers in contemporary blues.

Beyond Buddy Guy, Tom has written and produced for an impressive roster of legendary artists, including Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood, Joe Bonamassa, James Cotton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, and Johnny Winter.

His songs have been covered and recorded by icons across genres, from rock to country, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and storytelling gift.

While his songwriting and production credits are extensive, Tom Hambridge’s drumming credentials are equally impressive.

He has toured and recorded with artists such as Delbert McClinton, Boston, and Chuck Berry, always delivering his signature mix of groove, drive, and precision. Whether behind the kit in the studio or on stage at major festivals, Hambridge’s playing exudes both heart and technical mastery.

As a solo artist, Tom has released several acclaimed albums that showcase his gritty vocals and songwriting depth.

Today, Tom Hambridge stands as one of the most respected figures in modern blues and roots music. With multiple Grammys, dozens of producer credits, and a reputation for elevating every artist he works with, Hambridge’s influence reaches far beyond the studio.

Whether producing chart-topping albums, writing soulful hits, or performing his own electrifying shows, he continues to shape the sound of contemporary American music — one song, one beat, and one record at a time.

What’s Inside This Episode

• Tom Hambridge’s early years, musical upbringing, and path to Berklee

• How he built his career before writing for major artists

• The rise of Tom Hambridge & The Rattlesnakes and his early solo work

• His game-changing songwriting and production partnership with Buddy Guy

• The major artists he has written for and produced, from Joe Bonamassa to Susan Tedeschi

• The legendary musicians he has drummed for on stage and in the studio

• A look at his acclaimed solo albums including Boom!, The NOLA Sessions, and Blues Don’t Care

• How Hambridge helped shape the modern blues sound

• • His ongoing influence as a drummer, songwriter, and Grammy-winning producer
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  For further information on Tom head to his website: http://hambridgetunes.com/

  With comments or suggestions head to my website: https:www.abreathoffreshair.com.au

In this episode, we dive into the story of Dennis Tufano, the unmistakable voice that brought The Buckinghams to the top of the charts during one of the most exciting eras in American pop and rock music.

Dennis Tufano’s journey began in Chicago, a city whose vibrant music scene gave rise to countless legends. Long before he was singing “Kind of a Drag” on national television, Dennis was fronting local Chicago bands like The Pulsations, performing in small clubs and perfecting the soulful vocal style that would soon make him famous. When The Pulsations won a TV talent contest and rebranded as The Buckinghams, everything changed—almost overnight.

The Buckinghams burst onto the charts in 1967 with “Kind of a Drag,” a song that captured the hearts of fans and climbed straight to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. With Dennis Tufano’s velvety voice leading the way, the band followed up with a string of unforgettable hits: “Don’t You Care,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “Susan,” and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song).”

At the height of their success, The Buckinghams were one of the most played American groups on radio, performing on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, and countless other programs that defined 1960s pop culture. Their fusion of brass-driven rock and soul-infused pop set them apart from both their British contemporaries and the emerging psychedelic rock sound of the time.

But Tufano’s story didn’t end when the hits stopped coming. After The Buckinghams disbanded, Dennis formed the duo Tufano & Giammarese with his former bandmate Carl Giammarese, recording several critically acclaimed albums in the 1970s. The duo showcased a more intimate, singer-songwriter vibe that highlighted Tufano’s range and songwriting depth.

From there, Dennis moved into solo work, writing and recording for film and television—most notably contributing the theme song to Grease 2. He also worked as a voice actor and composer, keeping his creative spirit alive in new ways.

Today, Dennis Tufano remains a beloved performer on the classic rock and oldies circuit, delighting fans with heartfelt performances that revisit The Buckinghams’ timeless hits while celebrating his own musical evolution. His live shows remind audiences why his voice was, and still is, one of the most distinctive in American pop music.

In this episode, we talk about his early Chicago days, the meteoric rise of The Buckinghams, and how Dennis carved out a remarkable solo career that’s still going strong decades later.

If you’re a fan of 1960s rock, Chicago music history, or the golden age of pop, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• How Dennis Tufano helped shape the sound of 1960s American pop-rock.

• Behind-the-scenes stories of The Buckinghams’ biggest hits.

• What life was like after the band’s breakup.

• How Dennis continues to connect with fans old and new.

To reach with me with comments, feedback or suggestions for future guests, head to my website here

In this episode we explore the remarkable journey of Bernie Leadon, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose artistry helped define The Eagles’ early sound.

Often called the unsung hero of The Eagles, Bernie’s contributions — from intricate guitar and banjo work to his soaring harmonies — helped shape a sound that has resonated for decades.

From his early exposure to bluegrass and folk music in Minneapolis to his groundbreaking work in the West Coast country-rock scene, Bernie Leadon has remained a quiet but powerful force in American music.

In this episode, we follow Bernie’s path before, during, and after The Eagles, all the way to his most recent solo album, where he revisits the roots that first inspired him.

Bernard Leadon III was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, into a family that encouraged both creativity and education. While his father worked as an aeronautical engineer and his mother was a teacher, it was the sounds of bluegrass, folk, and country that truly captured young Bernie’s imagination.

By his teenage years, Bernie had mastered guitar, banjo, mandolin, and dobro, instruments that would become central to his career. After moving to San Diego, he immersed himself in the local music scene, connecting with influential figures like Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons, who would later become pivotal in the country-rock movement.

Before joining The Eagles, Bernie Leadon played in several key bands that helped define the emerging country-rock genre.

He worked with Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and most famously, The Flying Burrito Brothers.

During this period, Bernie became known as a musician who could add texture and authenticity to any song. His instrumental versatility and collaborative spirit made him highly sought after, setting the stage for his next big move.

In 1971, Bernie Leadon joined Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Randy Meisner to form The Eagles.

His influence was immediate. On the band’s debut album, Eagles (1972), Bernie’s mastery of the banjo, guitar, and mandolin was showcased on hits like Take It Easy and Peaceful Easy Feeling. His harmonies and songwriting contributions, including Train Leaves Here This Morning and Bitter Creek, helped define the band’s distinctive country-rock sound.

Bernie continued to shape The Eagles’ music on Desperado (1973), On the Border (1974), and One of These Nights (1975). However, as the band gravitated toward a rock-oriented direction with the addition of Don Felder and later Joe Walsh, Bernie felt increasingly disconnected from the evolving sound.

In 1975, after years of touring and creative differences, Bernie famously left the band, marking the end of an era for both him and The Eagles.

Following his departure, Bernie Leadon remained highly active in the music industry. He became a respected session musician, contributing to recordings by Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, Randy Newman, and many others. In 1977, he released his first solo album, Natural Progressions, blending his bluegrass roots with rock and folk influences.

Over the decades, Bernie continued to perform, collaborate, and record — he returned to The Eagles’ “History of the Eagles” tour in 2013.

Today, Bernie Leadon has returned with a reflective new solo album called "Too Late to be Cool" showcasing the depth and authenticity that have characterised his entire career.

In this episode, we talk about Bernie’s journey, his thoughts on music, and what it means to create art on his own terms. Bernie’s story is a testament to creativity, versatility, and staying true to one’s musical voice.

Whether you’re a lifelong Eagles fan, a lover of country-rock, or someone curious about the musicians behind the music, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and reflections. Bernie Leadon may not always have sought the spotlight, but his impact on American music is undeniable.

Few artists in Australian rock can rival the mystique and creative longevity of Steve Kilbey, the visionary frontman, bassist, and chief songwriter for The Church.

In this captivating and wide-ranging episode of A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye, Steve joins Sandy for an honest, funny, and deeply revealing conversation about his extraordinary life in music — before, during, and long after The Church became global icons.

Born in Welwyn Garden City, England, and raised in Canberra, Australia, Steve’s story begins long before his name became synonymous with the band that gave us Under the Milky Way.

He talks about his early fascination with sound — from his parents’ record collection to the spark that led him to pick up a guitar. Before fame, there were years of small gigs, knock-backs, and sheer determination to make his art heard.

In 1980, that persistence paid off. Steve co-founded The Church, alongside guitarist Peter Koppes, drummer Nick Ward, and later Marty Willson-Piper. Their unique blend of shimmering guitars, surreal lyrics, and atmospheric soundscapes quickly set them apart.

Their debut single, The Unguarded Moment, catapulted them to prominence, and soon The Church became one of Australia’s most distinctive exports — a band equally loved for its mystery as for its music.

But it was 1988’s Starfish that turned The Church into international stars. The haunting single Under the Milky Way became a global anthem, securing their place in rock history. In this episode, Steve tells the story behind that song — the serendipity of its creation, his initial doubts, and how it continues to define the band’s legacy decades later.

Steve also shares candid insights into the creative tensions and triumphs within The Church — what it’s like to lead a band for more than forty years, to evolve through changing line-ups, and to stay inspired through it all.

He discusses how albums like Priest=Aura and Hologram of Baal marked turning points in their sound, and how the band’s most recent work, including The Hypnogogue, proves they’re still pushing boundaries today.

Beyond the band, Steve’s story is one of relentless creativity. He’s released more than 20 solo albums, collaborated with artists like Grant McLennan and Martin Kennedy, and built a reputation as a painter, poet, and author. His life is art in motion — a never-ending exploration of sound, colour, and language.

Throughout the conversation, Sandy and Steve explore everything from fame and spirituality to songwriting, success, and the wisdom that comes with time. He reflects on how his creative process has evolved, the lessons he’s learned from the highs and lows, and what keeps him making music with such passion after all these years.

As always, Steve’s dry humour, self-awareness, and poetic way of thinking shine through. This episode is more than an interview — it’s an invitation into the inner world of a true artist, still searching, still experimenting, and still mesmerising audiences worldwide.

If you’ve ever been moved by Under the Milky Way, fascinated by the evolution of Australian rock, or curious about what drives a lifelong creative soul, this is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now for a journey through sound, story, and the mind of Steve Kilbey — the heart and soul of The Church.

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