Midnight Oil’s Founding Drummer and Songwriter Passes Away at 70
Rob Hirst, the founding drummer and songwriter of the iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has passed away at the age of 70. The band confirmed his death on social media, noting that he had battled pancreatic cancer since 2023. They described him as “free of pain” and said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Tributes and Legacy
Midnight Oil expressed their grief, stating, “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now, there are no words but there will always be songs.” The band included heartfelt messages from members Jim Moginie, Martin Rotsey, and Pete Garrett.
About Rob Hirst and Midnight Oil
Born on September 5, 1955, in Camden, New South Wales, Hirst co-founded the band in 1972 with friends Jim Moginie and Andrew “Bear” James. Initially named Schwampy Moose and later Farm, they eventually settled on Midnight Oil after recruiting Garrett in 1973 and adding Martin Rotsey in 1977.
Chart-Topping Success
- Debut Album: Midnight Oil (1978)
- Platinum Hits: Place without a Post Card (1981) and 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (1982)
- Iconic Albums: Diesel and Dust (1987), Blue Sky Mining (1990), Earth and Sun and Moon (1993)
Midnight Oil became synonymous with politically charged music in the 1980s and 1990s, with hit singles like “Beds Are Burning” and “The Dead Heart.” “Beds Are Burning” became a worldwide anthem, reaching No. 1 in multiple countries and resonating strongly with Indigenous issues.
Continued Influence and Recent Work
The band enjoyed international success throughout the 1990s, with hits from albums like Blue Sky Mining and Earth and Sun and Moon. Their 2022 album, Resist, marked their latest studio release.
Rob Hirst also ventured into solo projects, releasing several albums starting in 2005, with Born Electric being the most recent. He briefly collaborated with Hoodoo Gurus’ guitarist Richard Grossman during a hiatus from Midnight Oil.
In Remembrance
While details on Hirst’s survivors remain undisclosed, his family has requested that donations be made to Pankind or Support Act instead of flowers.
