Andy Kim has been a star for a very long time and his musical footprint started in the legendary Brill Building in New York, the mecca for budding songwriters from all over the world. When a young, wide-eyed Canadian walked in for a meeting with Jeff Barry, it was a life changing experience, and the start of a Hall of Fame musical career.

Andy talks about writing Sugar Sugar, a worldwide number one song for The Archies, and his solo hits like the classic Rock Me Gently. Success opened many doors, including backstage with Elvis and having a Beatle present him with his Gold Album. 

Andy Kim has enjoyed a long and colourful musical journey and he shares much of it here.           

The H Files with Kevin Hillier 

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2025

Andy Kim has been a star for a very long time and his musical footprint started in the legendary Brill Building in New York, the mecca for budding songwriters from all over the world. When a young, wide-eyed Canadian walked in for a meeting with Jeff Barry, it was a life changing experience, and the start of a Hall of Fame musical career.
Andy talks about writing Sugar Sugar, a worldwide number one song for The Archies, and his solo hits like the classic Rock Me Gently. Success opened many doors, including backstage with Elvis and having a Beatle present him with his Gold Album.&nbsp;
Andy Kim has enjoyed a long and colourful musical journey and he shares much of it here.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
The H Files with Kevin Hillier&nbsp;
Post-production by Chris Gates
For Howdy Partners Media
www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts
&copy; 2025

The H Files with Kevin Hillier has a very simple charter. Kevin Hillier wants to chat to interesting people and bring their unique and fascinating stories to you. Their stories are the star of the show. Those 'stars' might make you laugh, cry, groan, scream or all of the above. One thing for sure, you will be richer for the experience. 

The H Files with Kevin Hillier has a very simple charter. Kevin Hillier wants to chat to interesting people and bring their unique and fascinating stories to you. Their stories are the star of the show. Those 'stars' might make you laugh, cry, groan, scream or all of the above. One thing for sure, you will be richer for the experience.

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 25 Andy Kim 

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.   

Music in this episode 

‘Hey What’s the Matter’    Sydney Opera House 15th of September 1974.

‘Ego is not a Dirty Word’  Bridgeway Hotel, Pooraka South Australia Sunday 24th September 2023     Vocals Laura Davidson

‘Mercedes Ladies’    from  Ego is not a Dirty Word

‘Every Chase a Steeple’   from Ego is Not a Dirty Word

‘Is this America’   from Straight in a Gay Gay World

‘Carlton Lygon Street Limbo’   'Bongo' Starkie performing with fellow Skyhooks members Greg Macainsh and Bob Spencer 'Rockin' for the legendary Doc Neeson - The Voice of The Angels' in 2013 at Cherry Bar.

‘Horror Movie’      Bongo Starkie's Skyhooks Show performing 'Horror Movie' at the Harley Davidson National Hog Rally Saturday - 23rd September 2023

‘Party to end all Parties’        from The Skyhooks Tapes

‘Balwyn Calling’      Skyhooks featuring Ross Wilson Rockwiz October 2015

‘All My Friends are getting Married’     Bongo Starlie’s Skyhooks Show  Adelaide  October 2024  featuring  Sasha Theunissen  on vocals     

The H Files with Kevin Hillier 

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2025

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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp; &nbsp;
Music in this episode&nbsp;
&lsquo;Hey What&rsquo;s the Matter&rsquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Opera House 15th of September 1974.
&lsquo;Ego is not a Dirty Word&rsquo; &nbsp;Bridgeway Hotel, Pooraka South Australia&nbsp;Sunday 24th September 2023&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vocals Laura Davidson
&lsquo;Mercedes Ladies&rsquo; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;from&nbsp; Ego is not a Dirty Word
&lsquo;Every Chase a Steeple&rsquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; from Ego is Not a Dirty Word
&lsquo;Is this America&rsquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; from Straight in a Gay Gay World
&lsquo;Carlton Lygon Street Limbo&rsquo; &nbsp;&nbsp;'Bongo' Starkie performing with fellow Skyhooks members Greg Macainsh and Bob Spencer 'Rockin' for the legendary Doc Neeson - The Voice of The Angels' in 2013 at Cherry Bar.
&lsquo;Horror Movie&rsquo;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bongo Starkie's Skyhooks Show performing 'Horror Movie' at the Harley Davidson National Hog Rally Saturday - 23rd September 2023
&lsquo;Party to end all Parties&rsquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;from The Skyhooks Tapes
&lsquo;Balwyn Calling&rsquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Skyhooks featuring Ross Wilson Rockwiz October 2015
&lsquo;All My Friends are getting Married&rsquo; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bongo Starlie&rsquo;s Skyhooks Show &nbsp;Adelaide&nbsp; October 2024&nbsp; featuring &nbsp;Sasha Theunissen&nbsp; on vocals&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;
The H Files with Kevin Hillier&nbsp;
Post-production by Chris Gates
For Howdy Partners Media
www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts
&copy; 2025

The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 29 Skyhooks Part 3 Bob 'Bongo' Starkie 

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

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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
Somewhere in Sydney
I'm Normal&nbsp;
Ego Is Not a Dirty Word&nbsp;&nbsp;
The H Files with Kevin Hillier&nbsp;
Post-production by Chris Gates
For Howdy Partners Media
www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts
&copy; 2025

The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 28 Skyhooks Part 2 Red Symons 

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

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.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
Greg shares some of his thoughts on the band, the music, fame and much more.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Songs excerpts included in this episode in order
Toorak Cowboy&nbsp; (demo with Steve Hill on lead vocals)
Living in the Seventies
Horror Movie&nbsp;
All My Friends are getting Married&nbsp;
Women in Uniform
Balwyn Calling
Love's not Good Enough&nbsp; &nbsp; (3XY Rocktober Concert 1984 Hey hey It's Saturday)&nbsp;
Powdertown
Carlton ( Lygon Street Limbo)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
The H Files with Kevin Hillier&nbsp;
Post-production by Chris Gates
For Howdy Partners Media
www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts
&copy; 2025

The H Files with Kevin Hillier Episode 25 Andy Kim

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