Midnight Oil Drummer Rob Hirst Passes Away at 70 After Courageous Cancer Battle

It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of Rob Hirst, the legendary drummer and founding member of the Australian new wave band, Midnight Oil. Hirst succumbed to complications from pancreatic cancer after a heroic three-year fight. He was 70 years old.

"After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — 'a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,'" Midnight Oil shared in a statement on their social media channels. "He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones."

The band further expressed their grief in a separate statement to ABC, saying, "We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now, there are no words but there will always be songs."

Born in 1955 in Camden, southwest Sydney, Hirst's musical journey began with Schwampy Moose, a band formed with guitarist Jim Moginie and bassist Andrew "Bear" James, primarily covering Beatles songs. This group evolved into Farm, later recruiting singer Peter Garrett in 1975 and ultimately transforming into Midnight Oil in 1976.

Midnight Oil's energetic surf-rock sound matured into a distinctive form of new wave, infused with the band's progressive political views on nuclear disarmament, Aboriginal rights, and environmentalism. Their breakthrough came with 1982's 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, recorded with producer Nick Launay, propelling them to international recognition.

Their profile continued to rise with 1984's Red Sails In The Sunset, participation in benefit concerts, and Garrett's political aspirations. The release of Diesel and Dust in 1987, featuring the hit "Beds Are Burning," cemented Midnight Oil's status as global stars. They continued their success with 1990's Blue Sky Mining, with tracks "Blue Sky Mine" and "Forgotten Years" dominating the US alternative charts.

Hirst's dynamic drumming was integral to Midnight Oil's sound. Music journalist Michael Azerrad described him as playing "with immense flair and power, a sonic embodiment of the band's righteousness." Hirst also significantly contributed to the band's songwriting, earning multiple awards from the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA).

Beyond Midnight Oil, Hirst explored diverse musical avenues. He formed Ghostwriters in the early '90s, joined Backsliders in 2000, and created the experimental rock duo Angry Tradesmen with Dom Turner. His collaborations extended to projects like Hirst And Greene with Olympic athlete Paul Greene, and the surf-rock band the Break with Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie. He also collaborated with his daughter, Jay O'Shea, from the country duo O'Shea.

Hirst remained deeply committed to political and philanthropic causes. His book, Willie's Bar & Grill, chronicled Midnight Oil's U.S. tour following the 9/11 attacks. He was an integral part of Midnight Oil's resurgence in the 2020s with albums The Makarrata Project and Resist, continuing to deliver his signature drumming prowess.

[Image of Midnight Oil performing]

[Image of Rob Hirst on drums]

[Image of Midnight Oil album cover]

[Image of Rob Hirst solo project]

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