Australian band Midnight Oil shared the sad news on Tuesday that their formidable drummer and co-founding member, Rob Hirst, passed away at the age of 70. The band announced on Facebook that after a brave battle lasting nearly three years, Rob had passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. They also encouraged donations to charities supporting pancreatic cancer research, support, and awareness.
Expressing their deep sorrow, the band’s longstanding members Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey stated, “We are devastated by the loss of our dear brother Rob. At this moment, words fail us, but our music will always speak for us.”
Midnight Oil’s history dates back to the early 1970s, with band members residing in Sydney and Canberra during their early years. Their debut self-titled album was released domestically in 1978, followed by four more albums leading up to the pivotal 1987 release, “Diesel and Dust,” which catapulted them onto the global stage as a socially conscious band.
Renowned for their advocacy for Indigenous rights, Midnight Oil’s iconic song “Beds Are Burning” from the “Diesel and Dust” album topped charts in Canada and reached the top 20 on the U.S. Billboard charts. Their live performances were captivating, with Peter Garrett’s dynamic presence and Rob Hirst’s thunderous drumming creating an unforgettable experience for fans.
Throughout their career, albums like “Blue Sky Mining” and “Earth and Sun and Moon” solidified Midnight Oil’s reputation, with tracks like “Blue Sky Mine,” “Forgotten Years,” “Truganini,” and “My Country” becoming staples in their repertoire. Hirst played a significant role in crafting the music for many of the band’s songs alongside Moginie, while Garrett contributed as the primary lyricist.
Despite the challenges posed by the digital era on international music sales, Midnight Oil continued to release albums until 2002. Peter Garrett transitioned into politics and held prominent positions in the Australian government, while Hirst pursued music with his side project Ghostwriters.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a heartfelt tribute to Hirst, describing him as the “real deal” and praising his immense talent and passion. Fellow musicians like Jimmy Barnes, INXS, and Hoodoo Gurus also extended their condolences on social media, reminiscing about Hirst’s exceptional drumming skills.
Having battled pancreatic cancer since April 2023, Hirst underwent treatment and even auctioned his cherished Ludwig drum kit in October to raise funds for charitable causes, including one supporting Indigenous musicians. Reflecting on Midnight Oil’s impactful legacy, Hirst emphasized the band’s role in advocating for justice alongside other influential musicians.
The music world mourns the loss of Rob Hirst, a legendary drummer whose contributions to Midnight Oil will forever resonate in the hearts of fans worldwide.