PRESS RELEASE: Rising Star: 21-Year-Old Adelaide Singer Lands Coveted Skyhooks Gig!

Legendary guitarist BOB ‘BONGO’ STARKIE, ARIA Hall of Famer and founding member of the iconic SKYHOOKS, is taking the music scene by storm with the electrifying ‘SKYHOOKS’ show. Since its inception in 2015, the show has been a sell-out sensation across Australia, delivering unforgettable performances and reviving the magic of Skyhooks’ timeless hits.

In a thrilling turn of events, 2024 saw Bongo Starkie embark on a nationwide search for a new lead singer, ultimately leading him to the vibrant city of Adelaide, South Australia. There, he discovered the exceptional talent of local singer/songwriter Sasha Theunissen, renowned for her captivating performances with the blues-infused indie rock band ‘Mum’s Favourite’. Sasha’s star was on the rise, having shared the stage with rock giants such as SuperJesus, Wolfmother, Masters Apprentices, Screaming Jets, and Icehouse, and gracing renowned events and festivals, including the Adelaide 500.

What truly caught Bongo’s attention was Sasha’s mesmerising rendition of Skyhooks’ classic ‘Living in the 70s’, showcasing her vocal prowess and undeniable stage presence. Following an audition in Adelaide, Bongo was immediately convinced that Sasha was the perfect fit to carry on the legacy of the late, great Shirley Strachan with her remarkable vocal range and boundless energy.

Bongo Starkie’s Skyhooks Show promises an exhilarating journey through the band’s greatest hits, including ‘Horror Movie’, ‘Ego (Is Not A Dirty Word)’, ‘All My Friends Are Getting Married’, ‘Women In Uniform’, and ‘Jukebox in Siberia’. The show’s upcoming dates are set to ignite stages and captivate audiences:

– Sunday 6th October – Charity Event One Brighter Day, Whittlesea, Victoria
– Friday 18th October – Clovercrest Hotel, Adelaide, South Australia
– Friday 15th November – Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, Victoria
– Saturday 16th November – Mulwala Water Ski Club, NSW
– Sunday 17th November – The Cube, Wodonga, Victoria

As 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of the seminal Skyhooks album ‘Living in the 70s’, and with the 50th Anniversary of ‘Ego Is Not A Dirty Word’ on the horizon, the band is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration, made possible by the extraordinary addition of Sasha Theunissen.

Bongo Starkie expresses his unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talent, stating, “The music industry has evolved, and young musicians deserve our support. I am passionate about empowering homegrown artists, and Sasha embodies the spirit of the band when we first started back in 1973.”

Don’t miss the chance to experience the exhilarating energy and timeless music of the Skyhooks. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of rock history and a thrilling musical journey through the decades.

Media Contacts:

Name: Bob StarkieCompany: Bongo Starkie's Skyhooks ShowEmail: Phone: 0417660128

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About Bongo Starkie's Skyhooks Show

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BOB ’BONGO’ STARKIE, guitarist with the legendary SKYHOOKS, started his ‘SKYHOOKS’ show in 2015 and has been selling out venues all over Australia. Playing all the biggest SKYHOOKS hits, the band features Sasha Theunissen on lead vocals. The band line-up also features prominent musicians Michael Cristiano on guitars/vocals, Sean McLeod on drums and Rhys Lett on bass. In between songs Bob shares humorous anecdotes and insights into the inner workings of the SKYHOOKS. SKYHOOKS helped change the face of rock’n’roll in the 1970s with a string of Number One and Top 10 singles to their credit, as well as two of Australia’s biggest-selling albums, ‘Living in the 70s’ and ‘Ego is Not A Dirty Word’. SKYHOOKS have been described as ‘giving the Australian music industry the enema it needed’ when they smashed onto the scene in their colourful costumes and striking make-up. When their second album ‘Ego is Not A Dirty Word’ was released in 1975 the band became instant celebrities: Graeme ‘Shirley’ Strachan, the enigmatic blonde curly-haired lead-singer, guitarist Red Symons, guitarist Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, bassist and songwriter Greg Macainsh and drummer Fred Strauks. Killer singles include ‘Horror Movie’, ‘Ego (Is Not A Dirty Word)’, ‘All My Friends Are Getting Married’, ’Women In Uniform’ and ‘Jukebox in Siberia’, just to name a few. Skyhooks were inducted in the ARIA Hall of Fame and ceased touring together after the death of lead singer Shirley in 2001. Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie – original member of The Skyhooks. Bob joined Skyhooks in 1973. Bob has assembled a great lineup of professional musicians to perform all the Skyhooks classic hits. On lead vocals is popular Adelaide performer Sasha Theunissen. Sasha is a busy live performer and vocalist who, amongst many things, fronts Adelaide's Mum's Favourite. Sasha is hot off the heels of performing alongside some of Oz rock's biggest acts including SuperJesus, Wolfmother, Masters Apprentices, Screaming Jets & Icehouse.