For decades, the name Red Symons has been a fixture in Australian entertainment—as the sharp-tongued judge on Australia’s Got Talent, as the lead guitarist of Skyhooks, and as the voice of ABC Radio Melbourne’s breakfast show. But behind the snarl and the guitar riffs lies a story of an unlikely career: a science graduate who became a rock star, and a father who faced an unimaginable loss.

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Born: June 13, 1949 · Real Name: Redmond Symons · Age: 77 (as of 2025) · Occupation: Musician, television and radio personality · Known For: Lead guitarist of Skyhooks, judge on Australia’s Got Talent · Education: Science graduate in computer programming and pure mathematics

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Marital status after divorce from Elly Agrotis
  • Net worth — not publicly disclosed
  • Exact reason for departure from ABC
  • Any current health issues
3Timeline signal
  • 1960s–70s: Skyhooks years
  • 2003–2017: ABC Radio breakfast host
  • 2017: Health scare and ABC exit announced
  • 2025: Tribute to Bob Starkie on ABC Radio
4What’s next
  • Continued involvement in music and media
  • Unanswered questions about personal life likely to remain private

Eight key facts, one pattern: everything known about Red Symons is well-documented in public records and interviews, but gaps in personal details remain.

Label Value
Born June 13, 1949
Real Name Redmond Symons
Age 77 (as of 2025)
Occupation Musician, television and radio personality
Known for Lead guitarist of Skyhooks, judge on Australia’s Got Talent
Education Science graduate in computer programming and pure mathematics
Son Samuel Symons (deceased, brain tumour)
Last Known Activity ABC Radio tribute to Bob Starkie, November 2025

What is Red Symons’ real name?

What is the meaning behind the nickname Red?

  • His given name is Redmond Symons, and the nickname “Red” is a natural shortening of Redmond (Wikipedia (the online encyclopedia)).
  • Multiple sources, including IMDb (the film database), confirm his birth name as Redmond Symons and his place of birth as Brighton, East Sussex, England.

What is Redmond Symons’ background?

The paradox

A computer programmer who became a rock guitarist and then a breakfast radio host—Red Symons’ career arc defies any single label. The common thread: a sharp analytical mind applied to music, broadcasting, and judging talent.

The implication: his identity is well-documented, but the “why” behind his career pivots remains his own story.

Is Red Symons still married?

Who has Red Symons been married to?

  • He married Elly Agrotis in 1990 (Wikipedia).
  • The couple later divorced; sources list the divorce as 2016 or 2017 (Wikipedia).

Does Red Symons have children besides Samuel?

  • Yes, he has three children: Samuel, Raphael, and Joel (Wikipedia).

The catch: details about his current relationship status are not publicly available, and Symons has chosen to keep that part of his life private.

What happened to Red Symons’ son?

How did Samuel Symons die?

When did Samuel die?

Why this matters

For a public figure known for a tough on-screen persona, the private grief over his son’s death has been one of the few glimpses into his personal vulnerability. It also highlights how little else of his private life has been shared.

The trade-off: the public knows the tragic outcome, but the details of Samuel’s illness and treatment remain a family matter.

Why did Red Symons leave ABC?

What was Red Symons’ role at ABC?

  • He hosted ABC Radio Melbourne’s breakfast show from 2003 until 2017 (Wikipedia (the online encyclopedia)).
  • In December 2017, ABC News (Australian public broadcaster) reported that Symons said he would not return to present the program in 2018.

When did he leave ABC?

  • The announcement came on 1 December 2017 (ABC News).
  • Earlier in 2017, Symons had a health scare—he lost consciousness and sustained a head injury after a fall (ABC News). He missed about two months to recover.
  • According to The Music (Australian music industry publication), Symons suspected ABC cost-cutting contributed to his departure.

What this means: the departure was publicly attributed to health at first, but Symons later hinted at organisational factors. The full story from ABC’s side has never been detailed.

Where is Red Symons now?

What is Red Symons doing in 2025?

  • In November 2025, he appeared on ABC Radio Melbourne to pay tribute to the late Bob Starkie (Wikipedia (the online encyclopedia)).
  • He continues to be involved in music and radio, though no regular on-air role is confirmed.

Is Red Symons still active in entertainment?

  • Yes. His ABC tribute appearance shows he remains connected to the industry.
  • He celebrated his 77th birthday in 2025, and no announcements of retirement have been made.
The upshot

Red Symons is still around, still contributing to Australian media culture—but he’s stepped back from the daily grind. For fans wondering where he is, the answer is: still here, just quieter.

The pattern: Symons has moved from full-time host to occasional contributor, reflecting a deliberate shift in priorities after decades in the spotlight.

Timeline

  • June 13, 1949: Born as Redmond Symons (Wikipedia)
  • 1958: Emigrates to Australia at age nine (Wikipedia)
  • 1970s: Lead guitarist for Skyhooks (Wikipedia)
  • 2003: Begins hosting ABC Radio Melbourne breakfast show (Wikipedia)
  • 2007–2009: Judge on Australia’s Got Talent (Seasons 1–3) (Wikipedia)
  • 2017: Health scare (fall, loss of consciousness); announces departure from ABC (ABC News)
  • 2018: Son Samuel dies from brain cancer (Starts at 60)
  • November 2025: Pays tribute to Bob Starkie on ABC Radio Melbourne (Wikipedia)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Red Symons’ real name is Redmond Symons.
  • He was born on June 13, 1949.
  • He was lead guitarist for Skyhooks.
  • He was a judge on Australia’s Got Talent seasons 1–3.
  • He graduated in computer programming and pure mathematics.
  • His son Samuel died from a brain tumour.
  • He appeared on ABC Radio in November 2025.

What’s unclear

  • Red Symons’ marital status is not publicly known.
  • The exact reason for any departure from ABC is unconfirmed.
  • Details about his health or diseases are not publicly available.
  • His net worth is not disclosed.

Quotes and perspectives

Redmond Symons is an Australian musician and television and radio personality.

— Wikipedia (the online encyclopedia)

A science graduate in computer programming and pure maths.

— Platinum Speakers and Entertainers (speakers bureau)

I see him everywhere — Red Symons opens up on heartbreak of losing son.

— Starts at 60 (news for over-60s)

Summary

Red Symons’ life is a study in contrasts: a mathematician who became a rock icon, a harsh TV judge who endured private tragedy, and a radio host whose exit from ABC remains somewhat opaque. For Australian audiences who grew up with his voice and his riffs, the available facts paint a picture of a man who has always defied easy categories. The unanswered questions—about his health, his marriage, his wealth—serve as a reminder that some stories remain the property of those who lived them. Symons has chosen to keep his privacy while letting his public legacy speak for itself.

Additional sources

abc.net.au, facebook.com, facebook.com

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Frequently asked questions

How old is Red Symons?

He was born on June 13, 1949, making him 77 years old as of 2025 (Wikipedia).

Did Red Symons have any other children besides Samuel?

Yes, he has three sons: Samuel, Raphael, and Joel (Wikipedia).

What was Red Symons’ role on Australia’s Got Talent?

He served as a judge for the first three seasons (2007–2009) (Wikipedia).

What is Red Symons’ net worth?

His net worth has not been publicly disclosed by any reliable source.

Is Red Symons still performing music?

He has not announced any regular performances, but he remains active in music tributes and occasional media appearances (Wikipedia).

Where did Red Symons grow up?

He emigrated from England to Australia at age nine and grew up in Melbourne (Wikipedia).

What happened to the band Skyhooks?

Skyhooks were one of Australia’s most successful rock bands of the 1970s. They disbanded after several lineup changes, but their legacy endures. Red Symons was their lead guitarist (Wikipedia).

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