Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed, and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation.

In Part Three, guitarist Bob Starkie - universally known and loved as 'Bongo' - shares his memories in one of his final interviews before his passing in November 2025. We retrace the early days, pre replacing his brother Peter in Skyhooks, meeting Greg for the first time, being in studio with Ross Wilson, the American tour and life after Skyhooks, including his Rio adventure with Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs.

Recorded only weeks before his death, Bob also talks about his health battle and his positivity is testament to the man. Ross Wilson also pays tribute to Bob in a small excerpt from his full Skyhooks chat, which will be in Part 4.

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation.

In Part Two, guitarist Red Symons shares his recollections of joining the band, recording those groundbreaking first albums, his stage look, leaving the band and his life after Skyhooks, including his very successful media career. Find out which one of the Hooks' biggest hits Red refers to as 'a prick of a song to play' and his memories of Shirl, including visiting the site of his death.

Song excerpts included in this episode in order:

Whatever Happened to the Revolution

Smut

Million Dollar Riff

You Just Like Me 'Cos I'm Good in Bed

Balwyn Calling

Somewhere in Sydney

I'm Normal

Ego Is Not a Dirty Word

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed and they were. In the first of a four-part series, The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation.

Part One features Greg Macainsh, the man who wote the songs, and what game changing songs they were - Living in the Seventies, Balwyn Calling, You Just Like Me Coz I'm Good in Bed, Toorak Cowboy, Women in Uniform and Ego is Not a Dirty Word. Greg created the sound of Skyhooks and lyrically shattered the stereotypical rock song.

Greg shares some of his thoughts on the band, the music, fame and much more.

You will also hear from David Briggs, the former Little River Band guitarist and songwriter given the task of remastering some Skyhooks material over the years.

Songs excerpts included in this episode in order

Toorak Cowboy (demo with Steve Hill on lead vocals)

Living in the Seventies

Horror Movie

All My Friends are getting Married

Women in Uniform

Balwyn Calling

Love's not Good Enough (3XY Rocktober Concert 1984 Hey hey It's Saturday)

Powdertown

Carlton ( Lygon Street Limbo)

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.