Skyhooks guitarist Bob “Bongo” Starkie has passed away at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer, the iconic Australian band confirmed.

The beloved musician—an Aussie rock legend—died from leukaemia, with his bandmates and family announcing that he took his final breath on Saturday morning, surrounded by loved ones and listening to Chuck Berry.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that early this morning, Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie has passed away,” the band wrote in their statement.

“For the past year, he fought courageously against leukemia, hoping he’d return to the stage to perform again. Music was in his veins until the very last moment.”

Starkie was part of Skyhooks’ classic lineup throughout the mid- and late 1970s, contributing guitar and backing vocals to some of their most celebrated albums, including Living in the 70’s and Ego Is Not a Dirty Word.