Australian rock band Midnight Oil announced the passing of their co-founding member and powerhouse drummer, Rob Hirst, at the age of 70. The band shared on Facebook that after bravely battling for nearly three years, Rob passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, free from pain. They also encouraged donations to charities supporting pancreatic cancer research, support, and awareness.
Midnight Oil’s core members, Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey, expressed their devastation over the loss of their bandmate, referring to Rob as their brother. They stated that while there are no adequate words to convey their grief at the moment, there will always be songs to remember him by.
Originating in the early 1970s with members residing in Sydney and Canberra, Midnight Oil gained prominence with their self-titled debut album in 1978. Their socially conscious stance was solidified with the release of “Diesel and Dust” in 1987, featuring the anthem for Indigenous rights, “Beds Are Burning,” which topped charts in Canada and reached the top 20 on the Billboard charts in the U.S.
Throughout their career, the band’s live performances were described as captivating, with frontman Peter Garrett’s dynamic stage presence complemented by Rob Hirst’s thunderous drumming. The band’s albums, including “Blue Sky Mining” and “Earth and Sun and Moon,” further enhanced their reputation, with standout tracks like “Blue Sky Mine,” “Forgotten Years,” “Truganini,” and “My Country” becoming staples in their repertoire.
Despite the challenges posed by the digital era on international sales, Midnight Oil persisted in releasing albums until 2002 when Peter Garrett transitioned into politics. Rob Hirst remained active in music, particularly with the Ghostwriters side project. The band continued to reunite for tours and recordings intermittently, with their latest album, “Resist,” released in 2022.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Rob Hirst’s talent and spirit, hailing him as the driving force behind Midnight Oil. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians like Jimmy Barnes, INXS, and Hoodoo Gurus, who remembered Rob as one of the finest drummers they had witnessed.
Rob Hirst’s battle with cancer, which began in April 2023, culminated in his passing. In his final months, he auctioned his iconic Ludwig drum kit from the band’s early days, with proceeds allocated to charities, including those supporting Indigenous musicians. Reflecting on Midnight Oil’s legacy, Rob emphasized the band’s role in advocating for justice alongside other prominent musical acts.