Newer Items Are In Yellow

Last updated: 02-01-12

    • 02-01-12-Shirl would of turned 60 years old today if he hadn't passed away in the helicopter accident. Imagine what a 60 year old Shirl would be like, sad that he isn't with us still.
    • 20-12-11-Happy Christmas to Skyhook fans everywhere!
    • 15-12-11-Sad to hear that Molly in in the Alfred hospital and on the critical list. We hope for a fast recovery, it just would not be the same without you!
    • 20-11-11-Todays Sydney Telegraph shows the Hooks page in the Great Aussie Songbook.(It's for "Living In The 70's").
    • http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/new-zealander-murray-thom-has-created-the-great-australian-songbook/story-fn8dgana-1226200113068
    • 19-11-11-Here is a YouTube link of Daddy Cool performing Skyhooks Saturday Night, on GTK way back in 1974.
    • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvQN5bUF-8
    • 15-11-11-Skyhooks LATEST & GREATEST is currently part of JB HI FI's "3 for $20" cd promotion. So if you are stuck for a musical Xmas gift grab three of these for a super bargain price.
    • 14-11-11-Bob Starkie & mates play the Yarra Glen Grand Hotel this Sunday November 20th. 19 Bell St, Yarra Glen. 3pm-6pm. This will be a fun gig.
    • 28-10-11-37 years later and Living In the 70's ,still the best Australian album of all time!
    • 24-10-11-Thanks for the many emails around the Hooks Twitter account. As you know it has now closed. use your search engines and you can find various other Skyhook Groups (yahoo etc) or other Hooks related Twitter accounts.
    • Music fans are always welcome to sign on up for Peters own account which is Gryphon Music- and expect tweets on all the bands and artists we enjoy.
    • Note Gryphon Music is NOT connected to Skyhooks in any official way.
    • http://twitter.com/#!/GryphonMusic
    • 20-10-11-I am happy to report that Skyhooks Music is now on Twitter too. It is an easy way for us to send out instant Hook information when we have it.
    • Simple to sign up. Head to: http://twitter.com/#!/SkyhooksMusic and choose FOLLOW. Naturally you will need a Twitter account as well. It's just started so be one of the first to get some Hook Tweets.
    • 13-09-11-Bob Starkie & mates will play at CADAMS WINE BAR (Level 1, 48 Mcadams Square Croydon Hills) on September 24th. 9.30 PM.
    • 30-08-11-Both the re-mastered "Living In The 70's" and the fantastic Double "The Skyhooks Collection"are available at JB HI FI stores for $8.00 and $12.00 this week- so a bargain price. If you've worn out either of these now is the time to grab them while they are cheaper.
    • 29-08-11-Today is the 10th anniversary of the death of our mate and lead singer Shirley Strachan- he is missed and will never be forgotten. Play some Hooks music today and think of of his cheeky smile and the happiness he brought to so many!
    • 18-08-11-"Living In The 70's" has been added into the National Film & Sound Archive. It's a registry for unique musical and historical recordings, so indeed an honour.
    • Arts Minister Simon Crean described the registry as a celebratory collection that belonged to the entire nation.
    • "The registry is an opportunity for all Australians to help choose the music, speeches, jingles, natural and man-made sounds to be preserved for future generations,'' he said.
    • 20-07-11-Skyhooks currently ahead in the voting for the Snickers Poll & Charity fundraiser. Still 3 days left so remember to vote (see below for link).
    • 18-07-11-Snickers have a promotion happening at the moment and Skyhooks with "Horror Movie" are part of it. It also will raise up to $20,000 for a charity so worth casting a vote. It takes about 3 seconds to vote so please if you can vote for Skyhooks HORROR MOVIE. Voting closes July 22nd.
    • Lets get Skyhooks to #1 (currently #3).Link: http://snickerssessions.com.au/
    • 16-07-11-Sydney Hook fans. If you are near Hurstville City Museum & Gallery between July 30th & Oct 22nd check out the "Let me Entertain You" exhibit. It's a history of entertainment in the St George area and yes Skyhooks do get a mention. Stage costume from 1975, Tour itinerary etc. Soooo many great shows at Hurstville Civic Centre- some fine memories. The museum is located at 14 MacMahon St, Hurstville. Nice that the guys are represented.
    • 11-07-11-Bob Starkie and friends play at Yarra Glen Grand Hotel 17TH July. 3-6pm! Check them out.
    • 30-06-11-Happy to report that "Living In the 70's" came in at #75 on Triple J's "Hottest 100 Australian Albums Of All Time". A huge thank you to the many Skyhook fans that voted- wonderful to hear the 'Hooks on Triple J.
    • 27-06-11-Bob Starkie & his amazing band are playing "All Seasons Resort" at Philip Island on July 8th. It's located at 2128 Phillip Island Road. Ph: 59528000 Check out this legend as he's playing better then ever!
    • 05-06-11-Triple J "Hottest 100 Australian Albums Of All Time" please take a few seconds to cast a vote for Skyhooks.
    • Link: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/alltime/11/
    • 28-05-11-Bob Starkie & friends will be playing at the Mordialloc Sporting Club on June 12th. (3.30-6.30pm). It's at 528 Main Rd, Mordialloc. Check it out -will be a fun night.
    • 12-05-11-Expect to see Bob Starkie on season two of 'Guitar Gods' on Channel 31 later this year.
    • 02-05-11-Greg Macainsh guest speaker at Victor Rubin's Art Show at Chapman & Bailey gallery Abbotsford.
    • 19-04-11-A few more Skyhook flyers for the very early shows have been added to the TOUR ARCHIVE area of the this website (thanks Iarla). We hope to eventually fill the side area with them! Enjoy-PG.
    • 29-03-11-We now have 1 copy of the Hooks EGO book (signed by Greg) remaining. Email if you are after a copy before they have all gone forever.
    • 22-03-11-One for Australian Skyhook fans. The 'Hooks club has 12 copies of the Ego Is Not A Dirty Word Skyhooks book available and all 12 are signed by Hook bassist and songwriter- Greg Macainsh. For those interested in grabbing this signed item email (peter@frenz.com) and include name/address) and we will email you price details. This offer is only available to Australian fans (because of the high international postage rate). Remember we only have 12. Put Hooks Book in subject heading.
    • 21-03-11-A reminder that there are 141 Skyhooks songs currently available on iTunes: This link should take you to the iTunes store:
    • http://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/skyhooks/id59986015
    • 14-03-11-This Saturday March 19th, Bob Starkie & Greg Macainsh will join Jane Clifton, Dave Warner and others at the Caravan Club for the "Tales from the outskirts of Melbourne" show (JVG's stopping all stations). Jane Clifton will be handling vocals on some of those Hook songs. Tickets via the Caravan Music Club. This show is part of the Oakleigh Music Festival.
    • 11-02-11-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang-Sunday 20th February. (12.30-4PM). Whytes Pub (Marong Family Hotel)- Cnr High St & Calder Highway.
    • 15-01-11-RIP Harvey James (Sherbet) & Steve Prestwich (Cold Chisel) thanks for all the good times & music.
    • 12-01-11-Could all Skyhooks fans please cast a vote for the Hooks in the Daily Telegraphs Sherbet or Skyhooks Poll. Skyhooks are currently ahead by 1 vote: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/howzat-for-a-reunion-sherbet-back-together-for-a-gig/story-e6frewz0-1225985826255
    • 07-01-11-Several more Hooks live dates will be added to the TOUR ARCHIVE soon. That makes 974 official Skyhooks shows performed so far.
    • 02-01-11-...and speaking of birthdays.Today (Jan 2nd) would of been Shirley's birthday too.
    • 30-12-10-Happy 60th Greg Macainsh. As Greg's sister Rilka said at 'The Caravan' club in Oakleigh tonight' welcome to the party to end all parties'. Greg's birthday- 100 mates invited and some special guests from Queensland- the brilliant Slyhooks. Mid set the Slyhooks were joined by Bob Spencer, Red Symons, Bob Starkie, Fred Strauks & birthday boy himself Greg.
    • In attendance also-Tony Williams & Peter Starkie. A great celebration and loads of fun,old faces from our past and still making some history!
    • 24-12-10-Happy Christmas to Skyhook Fans everywhere!
    • 21-12-10-Happy 60th Birthday Imants Fred Strauks!
    • 15-11-10-Bob Starkie & band play the Yarra Glen Grand Hotel. November 21st. 3pm-pm. 19 Bell St, Yarra Glen.
    • 10-11-10-It's taken awhile but the number of Skyhook dates so far (allowing for corrections etc) is 967. We are still convinced a few early dates are missing so we are hoping we will eventually track down these dates. If you attended a Hooks show and it's not on the Tour Archive list, please feel free to email (our contact address is at the bottom of the main page). A huge thank you to Iarla for all the help with the sight & updating the gig archive & Greg for his amazing input.
    • 29-10-10-Living In the 70's made it to #9 in the Top 100 Australian albums of all time. So after all this time it's still making the top 10. A big thank you to the many Skyhook fans that voted.
    • 28-10-10-Can you believe it has been 36 years today that 'Living In the Seventies' album was released? It still sounds amazing and the songs exceptional!
    • 22-10-10-Living In The 70s has been nominated for The Age's Top 100 albums of all time. Please cast a vote at: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/australias-100-best-albums-20101025-16zv8.html#poll
    • 01-10-10-Twenty years ago today Jukebox In Siberia was released. It climbed to number one, the only Australian single to do so in 1990. This lit the fuse for the massively successful reunion tour.
    • If anyone would like to request JUKEBOX on GOLD FM -they have a request area on their main page- http://www.gold1043.com.au/
    • 27-09-10-Bob Starkie (& the purple gang) return to the live circuit with a show at Mordialloc Sporting Club (528 Main St, Mordialloc)) on Sunday October 3rd 2010. 3-6pm. Always a fun night, so come on down.
    • 20-09-10-For those looking for a bargain. JB HI FI have copies of Living In The 70's (remastered) on cd WITH the bonus track of 'Broken Gin Bottle baby" for a very very cheap $9.99 (the booklet is cool too)- they make an excellent present.
    • 29-08-10-Nine years have passed since Shirls sad death- his memory hasn't faded, that happy go lucky lead singer of our favourite band. You are missed by all. PG & the Hooks.
    • 28-08-10-Some more Skyhooks live shows details will be added to the Tour Archive area soon. We are around the 970+ shows that the band have performed live. These don't include TV performances or 1 off appearances.
    • 26-07-10-Happy Birthday Bongo!
    • 07-07-10-Bob Spencer has another Raw Brit show coming up on July 31st-once more Spensers Live-Night Club. Starts at 9.30 pm.
    • 29-05-10-Slyhooks add 'Do The Hook' into the set for their Chelsea Heights show.They head back to QLD -for some shows in June; Redcliffe Leagues Club Redcliffe, Qld (11th), Mt Gravatt Bowls Club - Mt Gravatt, Qld (26th). It's a fun show so try and catch them live.
    • 28-05-10-Fun to see both Greg and Spence up onstage with the Slyhooks boys at the Village Green show.They received 2 encores , ending with 'Why Dontcha all get fucked'. Nice to see Shirls Mum Joyce and his sisters in the audience having a good time.
    • 26-05-10-Seeing he let the cat out of the bag we might as well mention it. For the Croxton Park Gig expect Bob Spencer to climb up sometime during the second set to have a play with the Slyhooks. Go Bobby!!!
    • 25-05-10-Playing times for Slyhooks:Wed & Thur- 8.00pm to 10.00pm, Fri & Sat-9.00pm to 11.00pm.
    • 24-05-10-A reminder that the Skyhooks Tribute show arrives in Melbourne this week. Dates are below, you can pre-book via the venue or buy tickets at the door.
    • 22-05-10-Sad to see the Isle Of Wight Hotel burn down at Philip Island- Skyhooks played some great shows at that place.
    • 18-05-10-For those attending the SLYHOOKS Croxton Park Gig (27th), rumour has it that you may get an added surprise with a Skyhook climbing up for a bit of a play in the 2nd half of the set. You can never say 100% but it sounds like a fun idea....lets hope it happens.
    • 15-05-10-Voting over Skyhooks make it to number 24 on the Top 50 group list.
    • 07-05-10-We are asking all Hook fans to cast a vote for the band (Best Aussie Group):
    • http://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-australian-bands.asp
    • Slyhooks Tribute show comes to Melbourne in May, check them out:
    • 20-04-10-Tickets on sale now from the following venues:
    • York on Lilydale - 26th May 2010
    • Croxton Park Hotel, Thornbury - 27th May 2010
    • Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave - 28th May 2010
    • Chelsea Heights Hotel - 29th May 2010
    • 13-06-09-Happy Birthday to Red-60 years today!
    • 11-06-09-We are asking all Skyhook fans to cast a vote for 'You just like me cos I'm good in bed' on Triple J's All Time Top 100 songs. We thought how this was the very first song Triple J (back then JJ) played, it should be the one we all vote for. Hope everyone can help:
    • http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_alltime/voting/
    • 10-06-09-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang play the Yarra Glen Grand Hotel this Sunday 14th June. 3-6pm. The venue is located at 19 Bell Street, Yarra Glen.
    • 09-06-09-Happy Birthday Red Symons for June 13th. Our dear Redmond turns the magical 60 on Saturday!
    • 26-05-09-We have had a few emails asking the number of gigs Skyhooks have performed. So far going by the Live Archives it's 928 shows. We suspect it is more and will update the number when we add more live gigs to the list.
    • 25-05-09-Bongo and band are on the bill with numerous other musician friends for the benefit for Peter Laffy. It's on Tuesday May 26th at 7pm. At Spensers-Live (419 Spencer St, West Melbourne). Tickets at the door or call (03)93298821.
    • 20-05-09-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang play The Sandbelt. May 31st.
    • 3-6pm. The hotel is located at Cnr South Rd & Bignalls Rd, Moorabin.
    • 31-03-09-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang at the Manhattan Hotel (Ringwood) this Sunday April 5th. 5.00-8.00 pm. Check them out!
    • 14-03-09-Good to see Redmond MCing at todays SOUND RELIEF concert at the Melbourne MCG. 81,000 people attended and it was an amazing show for us all. During my Split Enz boys set, they finished with I SEE RED. So as a bit of a dare- I looked at Red, winked and he walked across the stage during the chorus with the crowd chanting "I see red'- and there he was RED! Quite a funny moment! Good to see he still has that wit about him.
    • 10-03-09- Bob Starkie & mates are playing Yarra Glen Hotel (19 Bell Street) on March 22nd. 3-6pm. Should be a fun night, don't miss it!
    • 15-02-09-Good to see Bongo Skyhook treading the boards at the Myer Music Bowl- Rockwiz concert a few days ago. Bongo complete with makeup did indeed perform a Skyhooks song (Living In the 70's) with Ella Hooper. The show will be telecast on March 7th at 9.20pm (SBS). It's a special 85 minute edition.
    • 24-01-09-Reminding Hooks fans that Skyhooks are on RAGE tonight (Sat) from 1.00 in the morning (so technically 25th).
    • 17-01-09-So far we have 900 Skyhooks Live shows listed for our upcoming SKYHOOKS LIVE area of the website!
    • 14-01-09-Check out Mike Pursche's (Sitting In A Bar In Adelaide-radio show) Pod cast on the Net- he has a chat with Greg about all things Skyhooks:
    • link: http://m.podshow.com/media/14468/episodes/139404/adelaiderockshow-139404-01-13-2009.mp3
    • 11-01-09-Bob Spencer is back with his Raw Brit show. They play the New Capers on Saturday Jan 31st. Get in early as it sold out fast last time.
    • 09-01-09-Coming to the site this year- The Complete Skyhooks Gig Listings-all the Hook shows from Steve Hill-Shirl-Tony Williams lineups.
    • 04-12-08-Congratulations to Skyhooks for winning the E-G Awards for FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN ALBUM OF ALL TIME (Living In the 70s). Greg, Bongo and Mushroom Records founder Michael Gudinski accepted the award at the Prince of Wales ballroom.A huge thank you to Skyhooks fans everywhere who cast a vote- you made it happen!
    • 01-12-08-It's the last day of voting for the EG Awards. Skyhooks are still at the #1 spot with 29% of the vote-a huge lead for 'all time favourite australian album' with Living In The 70's. IF they win, expect to see 'Hooks bass player & songwriter Greg Macainsh up onstage at the awards (Prince Ballroom St Kilda) to collect the award. It's not a win yet but looking VERY good- thanks to the thousands of fans who cast a vote.
    • 19-11-08-Voting for the EG awards (see below) closes on DEC 1st. Skyhooks are still ahead of the pack with 32% of the vote.Thanks everyone.
    • Here is the link: http://www.theage.com.au/polls/entertainment9/form.html
    • 17-11-08-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang play The Mentone Hotel (99 Beach Rd, Mentone) on Sunday November 30th. 3-6pm
    • 14-11-08-Happy to report that Skyhooks with 'Living In The 70's' currently hold the #1 spot(with 26% of the vote) for 'Favourite Australian Album Of All Time on the Age E-G Awards. The voting continues for a final week- so if you still haven't voted for Skyhooks here is your chance. A huge thank you to Skyhooks fans everywhere who have cast a vote. Here is the link:
    • http://www.theage.com.au/polls/entertainment9/form.html
    • 12-11-08-Skyhook fans everywhere- please help us out with a vote. The 'Hooks LIVING IN THE 70's album has been nominated in the E-G awards as 'Favourite Australian album of all time". So a chance to get Skyhooks to the #1 spot. Voting takes about 3 seconds, here is the link:
    • http://www.theage.com.au/polls/entertainment9/form.html
    • 28-10-08-Bob Spencer and his band Raw Brit play the New Capers (Hawthorn) on Cup Eve (Nov 3rd).
    • 30-09-08-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang play The Manhattan Hotel (Ringwood) this Sunday October 5th. 5pm-8pm.
    • 10-09-08-Good mates of Shirl- The Phillip Island Board Riders Club have their "Re-Living In the Seventies' Reunion at Chelsea Town Hall on October 11th (7.30 PM). There are no door sales for this one, but you can get tickets at Oke Surfboards Braeside (95873553). Bongo Starkie's band with special guest drummer Fred Strauks will be playing on the night. Hosting the show (and performing) The X-Men's Brian Mannix.All profits will be donated to cancer research.
    • 27-08-08-A chance for Skyhooks fans to vote for the band in the Weekend Australian Top 20 Greatest Australian Songs (1988-2008) of the past 20 years. Jukebox is one of the songs on offer. To cast a vote head to: http://www.ausmediaserver.com/song/vote.php?a=vote&recid=0 and just type Skyhooks in the INDEX area for the voting page to appear.
    • 20-07-08-Keep an eye open for one Red Symons showing his legwork on 'Dancing With The Stars' (be scared).
    • 09-07-08-This Sunday 13th- Bob Starkie & the Purple Gang play at the Mentone Hotel (Beach Rd, Mentone) from 3.00-6.00pm
    • 03-07-08-This Saturday July 5th- Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang are playing at Prahran's Mt Erica Hotel. It's the Variety Club fundraiser.
    • 27-06-08-Great to see LIVING IN THE 70'S at #2 in todays The Age newspaper's Top 50 Australian albums of all time.
    • http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/best-of-the-best/2008/06/26/1214073416496.html
    • 17-06-08-Hooks fans with cable TV- look out for a short Interview with Greg Mac on MAX.APRA Music Awards television partner MAX screen a one-hour TV special - They Write The Songs that will feature interviews and performances from the 2008 event. They Write The Songs will broadcast exclusively on MAX, 8:30pm Monday 30 June. MAX is available on FOXTEL and AUSTAR.
    • 17-05-08- Melbourne fans note that in todays Herald Sun "Weekend' magazine there is a two page feature on Red and a small segment/photo on the Skyhooks side of his life.
    • 13-05-08-Congratulations to AC/DC- they won the Vega Music Gladiators Grand Final against Skyhooks. It was close, just on 7% of the vote between both bands. When you think of all the bands and artists that the Hooks bumped off- from the Stones to Queen to INXS it really is amazing to be at #2. A massive thank you to Skyhook fans everywhere that voted for the guys- some of you went well beyond what was expected.You rock!
    • 04-05-08-Red Symons was named Broadcaster of the Year for the ABC local radio awards. (as most of you know he is on radio 774 ABC)
    • 30-04-08 - A chance to vote for Skyhooks.Melbourne radio station VEGA (91.5fm) are currently running their 'Music Gladiators' show. Tomorrow (Thursday May 1st) listeners can vote for Skyhooks as they take on Paul McCartney. The 'Hooks V's McCartney voting is from 9am-10am. You can SMS (19922333) (SMS Skyhooks) or call 132510. Every vote helps, so please lets get Skyhooks into the second round.I'm guessing you can call/sms numerous times.
    • 30-04-08-Bob Spencers RAW BRIT live show starts this Saturday May 3rd-Spensers Live Night Club, Melbourne. 10.30 start time.
    • 29-04-08-For those of you who still need to get a copy of Skyhooks 'Right there on my DVD' JB HI FI has it on special for the next few weeks for $11.00 (a bargain).
    • 08-04-08-Bob Starkie & The Kalamata Brothers will play at Greek Easter Lunch- on April 27th. It's at The Rose- 309 Bay Street, Port Melbourne. This is a full lunch so you must pre book. (96463580)
    • 02-04-08-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang plat The Manhattan Hotel (cnr Heatherdale Rd and Canterbury Rd) Ringwood. Sunday 20th April. 5-8pm.
    • 07-03-08-Bob Starkie & The Purple Gang play St Kilda Bowling Club (Fitzroy St) this Sunday March 9th & also the 16th (6.30). Check them out!
    • 22-02-08-Bob Starkie & the Purple Gang play Pint On Punt Hotel (42 Punt Rd Windsor) this Friday Feb 29th at 8.30.
    • 20-02-08-Red Symons immortalised on canvas for this years Archibald Prize.
    • 19-02-08-We filmed an excellent Interview with Greg today for the fanclub 'Guilty" dvdr-which will be sent to club members mid-March.
    • 01-02-08-Note tonight's RAW BRIT show featuring Bobby Spencer has been postponed as lead singer Mick Pealing has tonsillitis.
    • 26-01-08- March the 13th 2008 will mark the 30th anniversary since Skyhooks GUILTY album was released. To coincide the Skyhooks Club will be sending out a 'Guilty Interview' dvdr (to paid up club members) with Greg Macainsh talking about the songs, recording them etc. Special guest Fred Imants Strauks has also been filmed chatting about Bbbbbbbbbbbbboogie.
    • This dvdr will go out to members around the 2nd week of March.
    • 24-01-08-Skyhooks Bob Spencer playing a show very soon with some mates. It's on Feb 1st- 'Spensers Live' Night Club- 419 Spencer St, Melbourne. www.spencerslive.com.au/
    • The band line up :
    • Mick Pealing-Vocals (Stars)
    • Maz-Drums (Boom Crash Opera)
    • Jason Vorherr-Bass (Little River Band)
    • Bob Spencer-Guitar (Skyhooks , The Angels).
    • Will be a fun night and the band will be playing sixties UK rock.
    • 20-01-08-Congratulations to Skyhooks and a big thank you to 'Hooks fans everywhere. All three Skyhooks songs were voted in the Top 10 on the Countdown-VH1 Top 250. Living In the Seventies at #5, Horror Movie at #8 and Ego at #10. The complete 250 songs will be played on VH1 on Australia day with special guest host- Molly! Skyhooks back in the Top 10, just like the good old days.
    • 15-01-08-Five days of voting to go and the Hooks keep on climbing. Living in the 70s song is at #12, Horror Movie at #19 and EGO at #24. get your friends to cast a vote for the guys! Go Skyhooks!
    • 10-01-08-Skyhooks fans everywhere, please cast a vote or two for the 'Hooks. The band currently have 3 songs in the Countdown Top 200 and every vote counts. Lets get Skyhooks in the Top 10.
    • There's only 10 days left to vote for your favourite 70's and 80's hits in VH1's Countdown Top 250!
    • Don't miss your chance to dictate the 250 best songs ever presented by Molly. In an epic Australia Day weekend event, on 27-28 January, VH1 will play your selections in order from 250 all the way to number one.
    • Go to this link:
    • http://www.countdown.com.au/top250.asp
    • 24-12-07-Happy Christmas Skyhooks fans everywhere and all the best for 2008!
    • 14-12-07-Bob Spencers gig this weekend at The Prince Albert Hotel has been cancelled because of a double booking. They will be back on the 23rd though.
    • 27-11-07- Jury & Bob Spencer have some shows coming up in December (Melbourne).
    • December 2nd,9th, 16th at Prince Albert Hotel (Douglas Pde, Williamstown).
    • December 22nd-Mordialloc Sporting Club.
    • 18-09-07- Nice shot of Greg Macaisnh with fellow Skyhook fan Alice Cooper (Palais Theatre) head to the photo area of the site to check it out. Thanks to Greg & Allan for use of the shot.
    • 17-09-07-Bob Starkie will be one of the many musicians playing at the benefit concert for Max Merritt (Concert for Max) at the Palais Theatre October 21st 07. Tickets now onsale via ticketmaster.
    • 9-09-07-Skyhooks Poster now sold out, so if you see one in a store it could be worth grabbing.
    • 8-09-07-Bob Spencer celebrates his 50th birthday in style at The Noise Bar. Skyhooks 'reform' for the night with Bob Starkie on vocals to play 4 tunes- Toorak Cowboy, All My Friends, Balwyn & Let It Rock!
    • 29-08-07-RIP Shirl- another year has gone by, both the music and the good times you gave us still remain.
    • 1-08-07-Bob Starkie and his band play St Kilda Bowling Club-66 Fitzroy St, St Kilda. September 7th 9.00-12.00PM.
    • 4-6-07-The new Skyhooks Poster (on main page) is now available at stores through-out Australia.
    • 15-05-07-For those who emailed, we have heard from the merch company and the posters/cards have been delayed, as soon as they give us a new release date we will mention it on the site.
    • 12-04-07-New Music! Check out the main page of this website.With kind permission of the band a live version of 'Somewhere in Sydney' is up for your enjoyment. It's most of the song, unfortunately there is no complete version, but we think you'll enjoy what is up. It was recorded at the Nambassa Festival in NZ in 1978. Enjoy!
    • 10-04-07-Check out the special 35th Anniversary Special edition of Rolling Stone (Australia) magazine. Great flashback Hooks article by Skyhook lovin' scribe Christie Eliezer. It also contains some cool Hooks snaps.The full article is available on : www.rollingstone.net.au/anniversary
    • Some other fantastic articles in it too- a really fine issue- Happy Birthday Rolling Stone Australia.
    • 20-3-07-A big thank you to Skyhook fans everywhere for voting in the VH1-Countdown Top 50. Happy to say that Skyhooks were the only band to have TWO songs in the final Top 10. Horror Movie climbed as high as #2 and Living In The 70's made it to #4. Split Enz were at #1 spot. The Top 50 is played on VH1 (Foxtel) on March 24th).
    • 15-3-07-Bob Starkie & The Kalamata Brothers play a special Easter Sunday Lunch at The Rose (309 Bay St, Port Melbourne). Bookings-96463580.
    • 14-3-07-One week to go in VH1-Countdown's Top 50 Voting. Currently Split Enz are at #1 spot, Skyhooks at #2 (Living In the 70's), The Angels at #3. Skyhooks again at #4( Horror Movie) and INXS at #5.
    • We are asking ALL Skyhook fans to cast a few votes for the boys.There are also daily prizes given away by the Countdown people, great to see almost every person on the winner slist is a Hooks fan that we know. The link to vote is:
    • http://www.countdown.com.au/top50.asp
    • Help make Skyhooks #1! Every vote helps so if you are reading this please make the effort and show your support.
    • 07-3-07-Greg Macainsh Podcast Interview located at:
    • http://rockandrollgeekwp.podshow.com/?p=418
    • 1-3-07-VH1 (Foxtel) will be running their TOP 50 ROCK SONGS (all clips from Countdown). It's voted for by music fans and currently Skyhooks are at #1 with LIVING IN THE 70'S and at #2 with HORROR MOVIE. Please go to the Voting site and cast a vote for the mighty Hooks and keep them at #1.
    • Here is the link:
    • http://www.countdown.com.au/top50.asp
    • 5-2-07-A *new* Skyhooks Poster & 2 Skyhooks Greeting cards will be available in stores from March 2007. A list of outlets will go out to Skyhook club members with a new Hooks update some time in March.
    • 2-2-07-Bob Spencer now has his MySpace site up and operational.Have a listen to 'Scarlet' at the site.
    • www.myspace.com/bobspencermusic
    • 2-1-07-Bob Starkie & The Coffee Cadillac play 'The Belgian Beer Gardens' on Sunday January 7th (4-7pm).It's at the corner of Greville st & St Kilda Rd, Prahran.
    • 30-12-06-Happy Birthday Greg Macainsh.
    • 18-12-06-Happy Christmas everyone from all of us at Skyhooks HQ.
    • 12-12-06-For those Skyhooks fans trying to track down a copy of the Hooks '07 calendar, many stores have sold out, best place to try is a Sanity Music store as they have some stock left. I think the online store may have it as a special sale price leading up to Christmas, so try:www.sanity.com.au
    • 11-12-06-Sad to hear that Neil Curtis the illustrator for the EGO album passed away on Sunday. He lost his brave fight with cancer. Some of his amazing work is on show at Zoo Gallery (Port Melbourne).
    • 24-11-06-Greg Macainsh piece in the 'Whatever happened to..' section of The Age-Melbourne Magazine (page 26). (The magazine is free with todays Age newspaper).
    • 17-11-06-Skyhooks fanclub members, those of you who ordered the Skyhooks calendars we have started sending these out today.
    • 30-10-06-Thought it would be good to get some more Skyhooks on RAGE (especially Countdown footage and GTK material), so if all readers can head to the RAGE website and leave a Skyhooks request on their Guestbook it would help. Thanks.
    • http://www.abc.net.au/rage/rage.htm
    • 29-10-06-For those after the issue of Meanjin with Greg's article in it, you can try the READINGS bookstores, as they all have copies. It is Meanjin 'Rock N Roll' issue-Volume 65, Number 3. Or head to Readings on line and type in Meanjin (it's the last of the meanjin issues on the purchase page).
    • www.readings.com.au
    • 28-10-06-Good to see Kram from Spiderbait perform a fine acoustic version of 'All my friends are getting married' at last nights EG Music Awards in Melbourne.He's obviously a big Hooks fan.
    • 26-10-06-Bob Starkie and his band will be playing at Khyats Hotel (23 Wilson St, Brighton) this Sunday October 29th. 5-8pm.
    • 14-10-06-The Issue of Meanjin Literary Magazine (VOL 65) is out with Gregs story on the sexist bass. The article is titled 'The Fender L' , also a Hooks photo and handwritten lyrics are printed. The issue has a young Nick Cave on the front cover.Check it out.
    • 20-9-06-Hooks fans , please head to the ABC website and cast a vote for ANY of the Skyhook albums as your favourite album. One vote per person on this one. I just voted for Living In the 70's.
    • http://www.abc.net.au/myfavouritealbum/
    • 5-9-06-Skyhook Fanclub Members, a new update sheet will go out in a week, and with it a special FREE Interview DVDr, where Greg talks about the songs on the 'Ego is not a dirty word' album. These will only go out to club members who have current paid up memberships (or new members).
    • 4-9-06-Happy to announce that our Sold Out Photo Book (Wings Off Flies- 25 Year of rock photography) will be reprinted in the next few weeks. It contains a huge section on Skyhooks- photos taken at sound checks, gigs, backstage, at the band members homes, on Countdown and at Video shoots.
    • It will be available via the Skyhooks fanclub for those of you who missed out the first time around and have been emailing us wanting copies.
    • 3-9-06-Skyhook Fans note, there will be a NEW Skyhooks calendar which will cover a 16 month period. Some of the images never before used. All full colour, and Skyhook Fanclub Members it IS available to club members through the club (Out October 1st). Just make sure your Hooks membership is up to date.
    • 30-8-06-Skyhooks currently #1 on the Countdown voting Poll, good work everyone! #1 where they deserve to be, maybe the wrong band is headlining the Countdown Tour!?
    • 29-8-06-Thinking of you Shirl, 5 years have gone by already but you are always on our minds and in our music. Rock in peace.
    • 26-8-06-Don't forget to cast a vote for Skyhooks:
    • http://www.countdown.com.au/fans_polls.asp
    • 26-8-06-Patrick Donovan penned a piece in The Age on Lobby Loyde today, Greg Macainsh gets a major mention... "BM "(before Macainsh) and "AM" (After Macainsh).
    • 15-8-06-Bob Starkie & band now playing at the Toorak Lion (8 Jackson St) every Sunday, 5.30-8pm.Come on down and bring your dancin' shoes!
    • 14-8-06-Keep an eye open for the next Issuee of Meanjin magazine.They are publishing a story that Greg Macainsh wrote, around the infamous Sexist Bass guitar.Meanjin is published quarterly.
    • 6-8-06-Looks like there might be some new Skyhooks T-shirts available soon. Will keep you updated here on the NEWS board as soon as we have confirmed information.
    • 1-8-06-Thank you for voting for Skyhooks in the Poll on the Countdown website- 'Who was the favourite Australian band on Countdown'. Skyhooks rompt it in with 54% of the vote, Sherbet second with 36%, Cold Chisel with 7% and INXS with 3%. Great to see the 'Hooks at the top of the pile!!!
    • 26-7-06-Don't forget to come on down to the Prahran Hotel (82 High Street, Prahran) this Saturday to see Bongo playing with his band. Call the Hotel first to confirm times etc. This will happen for the next few Saturdays.
    • 24-07-06-Skyhooks are now ahead of Sherbet in the Countdown Poll for Favourite Countdown artist. Thanks everyone for voting.
    • 22-07-06-Skyhook fans everywhere, please remember to cast a Vote for the Hooks on the Countdown website for Favourite Countdown Act. head to
    • http://www.countdown.com.au
    • Sherbet are a mere 2 votes ahead...Cmon Hookers!!!!
    • 21-7-06-The Countdown Book is now in the stores, great to see a few Skyhook photos that have never been used before, especially the group shot. Despite what it says this photo was never a TV Times Poster, it is the first time that it has ever been used.
    • 15-7-06-Good to see that Keith & Nicole had some fun at their wedding during the bridal waltz, it suddenly stopped and they continued the dancing to Skyhooks 'You just like me cos I'm good in bed'!
    • 10-7-06-Thought we'd mention this as well for all you Countdown Baby Boomers. COUNTDOWN-THE WONDER YEARS dvd is out on 17/7/06. It is a 2 disc set and retails for around the $38.00 mark. Skyhooks performing 'Living In the seventies' is on the DVD, as well as other classic Countdown performances by: Hush, Dragon, The Ferrets, The Swingers, Split Enz, etc.
    • 15-5-06-Bob Starkie and his band will be playing a dose of Fifty\'s R&R at The Station Hotel-Prahran from May 20th (5pm-8pm).
    • The band:
    • Bob Starkie (Guitar, Vocals)
    • Emma Franz-Vocals
    • James Black (Mondo Rock)-Piano
    • Steve Williams (Farnham band) Sax
    • Angus Burchell (Farnham band( drums
    • Steve Purcell (Pearly Shells) Bass
    • Come on down for a fun night.
    • 7-3-06-Radio 774 ABC will broadcast live from Federation Square during the coverage of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. So see Red Symons in the square doing his thing. A good time to mob him with LP and CD covers!
    • 12-11-05-A fantastic coffee table style book called PLASTERED is now on the market. Large and glossy it is the history of Australian Music Posters. Loads of Oz bands and artwork (some album covers). A few Skyhooks posters inside the book as well as the original artwork for the EGO album.
    • 7-11-05-Thanks to all of you for the many emails around Steve Hill. His funeral was in Sydney today, many of the Skyhooks attended and Steve''s family and friends. For those of you who asked, he was born on 10-11-52.
    • 7-11-05-Jeff Jenkins has penned a great piece on Steve Hill in the upcoming Rhythms magazine, also his column in IN Press magazine.
    • 5-11-05-Our old mate Nui from the Melbourne Sun newspaper has penned a tribute to Steve Hill in todays issue (Saturday).
    • 31-10-05-Some sad news for all of us I'm afraid. At 9.00 this morning, Skyhooks original lead singer Steve Hill passed away. As many of you know Steve had been battling cancer over the past year. Six weeks ago he performed at a benefit concert in his honour at the Annandale Hotel and it was a magic night for all concerned.
    • Steve Hill RIP.
    • 20-10-05-Red Symons will be hosting the Yarra Valley Racecourse 'Christmas In the Valley' concert. It is on Saturday December 10th at 7.00pm. A proportion of proceeds from the concert is allocated towards the Royal Children's Hospital Music Therapy Programme.
    • 18-10-05-The Greg Macainsh Interview was filmed at our office today, came out really well. Apart from some general questions around the EGO album/period, Greg is also talking about the songwriting and recording of each of the album tracks.Thanks Macca!
    • 11-10-05-Red and Bongo at the recent'Roast' for Wilbur Wilde, Red bringing the house down with his contribution, much to the delight of all in the room.
    • 9-10-05-Skyhook Club Members, next week we film Greg Macainsh talking about the songs from the 'Ego Is Not A Dirty Word' album. Hopefully ( like 'Living In the 70's') this will make it onto a 'Hooks Club Member DVD further down the track.
    • 29-9-05-Bob Starkie & some other Seventies music icons are in todays Herald-Sun for the upcoming Gold 104-Rocktober promotion. The shows will be held at Palms at Crown Casino.
    • 19-9-05-Keep an ear open for a Greg Macainsh Interview on the Skyhooks days (and his fave Top 10 tracks) on the MCM network (Austereo, Gold etc) for their Rocktober promotion.
    • 14-9-05-Here is the set list from last night's show at the Annandale Hotel:
    • Hey What's The Matter
    • Love On The Radio
    • Good Golly Miss Molly
    • Blue Jeans
    • Whatever Happened To The Revolution
    • All My Friends Are Getting Married
    • Motorcycle Bitch
    • Broken Gin Bottle Baby
    • Carlton
    • Toorak Cowboy
    • 9-9-05-Tickets for the show are also available direct from the Venue- Phone Bookings 95501078
    • 7-9-05-Some more news regarding tickets for the one off Original Skyhooks show.Tickets are now available online, so if you want to make sure you get in, buy one on line.Here is the link:
    • http://www.annandalehotel.com.au
    • Go to the Skyhooks area and click on'more information'
    • and there is a Hooks blurb as well.
    • 6-9-05-The original Skyhooks play a one off show in Sydney!
    • September 13th 2005 will see the original Skyhooks reform for a special benefit show for lead singer Steve Hill.The show will be at the Annandale Hotel.The band will be on stage at 8.00. It is worthwhile being early as it is sure to sell out.
    • The line up:
    • Steve Hill
    • Peter Ingliss
    • Peter Starkie
    • Greg Macainsh
    • Fred Imants Strauks.
    • A one off chance to see the original 'Hooks play, don't miss out. See you in Sydney.
    • 17-8-05-A new backstage (colour) shot of Bongo & Red from 1975 is now up in the PHOTO archive area.Taken by 'Hooks Bassist Greg Macainsh.
    • 1-8-05-Triple J have a listener voting area on their website, where people can vote for up to Ten of the live shows on the Triple J list. There is a Skyhooks 1975 show on that list, so please cast a vote.You simply fill in your details and highlight the gig you want to vote for and click the'Control' button on your keyboard.
    • http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/livemusic/
    • 30-7-05-Greg Macainsh, Jenny Brown and David Pepperell (Dr Pepper from Juke magazine) all spotted at the Carol Jerrems doco. screening. Some of you would know Carol's photographic work from Jenny Browns' Million Dollar Riff' book.
    • 30-6-05-It was 30 years ago today that EGO IS NOT A DIRTY WORD (the album) was released. There has been some talk of a special Anniversary edition coming out in the not too distant future.It's still not a 100% but we will keep you updated.
    • 11-6-05-Red Symons has penned an article on Skyhooks in The Bulletin magazine.It's 4 pages of Skyhooks. At your local newsagents now.
    • 1-6-05-As mentioned the Sunday program (channel 9) will have a 10+ minute segment on Skyhooks titled 'Surviving the Seventies'. It airs June 12th.
    • 20-5-05-Look for Red on an upcoming episode of 60 Minutes. He said it was a small 5 minute piece on Grumpy Old Men (-: Also remember that the SUNDAY program (Channel 9) will have a feature in it's Entertainment section on Skyhooks and some of the 'Hooks were filmed for this recently.
    • 10-5-05-'This is a place for song'...a world music CD, where world music artists cover some Melbourne classic songs. Palestinian musician Fetah Sabawi covers 'Horror Movie'- wonderfully unique and in stores now.
    • 30-4-05-Red Symons is on the front cover of the latest issue of 'Victoria Postcards' (Issue #3).The article is titled Red Alert.
    • 11-4-05-The new Missy Higgins EP that contains her rag-time version of 'You just like me cos I'm good in bed' debuts at #2 on the Australian singles chart.