'Life has been generous to me up until now': Aussie rocker Bob Starkie shares devastating leukemia diagnosis

Bob 'Bongo' Starkie, the lead guitarist of Aussie rockband Skyhooks has been diagnosed with "aggressive leukemia".

The news was shared in a statement released by the band, with Starkie explaining that the diagnosis has come as a shock to both him and his family.

"Life has been generous to me up until now, but sometimes you draw the short straw," he said.

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As a result of his diagnosis Starkie has had to cancel his upcoming Bob 'Bongo' Starkie's Skyhook Shows, including his upcoming sold-out appearance at Sydney's Rock The Harbour events.

"I apologize 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," Starkie explained in his statement.

The band's archivist Peter Green shared that everyone close to Starkie is "shocked & saddened" by the news.

"I've known Bob since I was 15 and know what a fighter he is," Green said.

"The band and those close to Bongo stand by him during these tough times."

Starkie joined Skyhooks in 1973, replacing his brother Peter Starkie as the lead guitarist.

After Starkie became a band member, Skyhooks went on to record and release their album Living in the 70s.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the album Skyhooks re-issued Living in the 70s, which climbed into the top 10 on the ARIA Australian artist chart.

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The group were celebrating the album reaching number six when Starkie checked himself into hospital due to health concerns.

The test results revealed Starkie's diagnosis of "aggressive leukemia".

At the time of publishing there is no news as to whether or not the cancelled performances will be rescheduled.

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