Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil Drummer, Passes Away at 70
Rob Hirst, the esteemed drummer and founding member of the iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has passed away at the age of 70. His family confirmed that he died peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, enduring the illness for nearly three years. Midnight Oil announced his passing through a statement, expressing their deep sorrow. They encouraged those wishing to honor Hirst to donate to organizations such as Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, or Support Act.
Rob Hirst’s Life and Music Career
Born on September 3, 1955, in Camden, New South Wales, Rob Hirst started his musical journey with school friends Jim Moginie and Andrew “Bear” James. They initially performed under the name Schwampy Moose, which later evolved into Farm and finally became Midnight Oil. The band debuted with their self-titled album in 1978. Their fame soared in Australia with the release of 1982’s album “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Australian charts.
Midnight Oil made a significant international impact with their 1987 album “Diesel and Dust,” which addressed both Indigenous Australian and environmental issues. This album went platinum in the U.S., featuring the hit song “Beds Are Burning” and earning accolades from Rolling Stone as the best album of 1988.
Collaborations and Side Projects
During a hiatus in the early 1990s, Hirst formed Ghostwriters with Rick Grossman of Hoodoo Gurus and guitarist Andrew Dickson. Their 1991 single “Someone’s Singing New York New York” achieved Top 40 status in Australia. Hirst further expanded his musical portfolio by joining the Australian blues band Backsliders in 2000, contributing to six albums.
Midnight Oil disbanded in 2002 when lead singer Peter Garrett left to pursue a political career. However, they reunited in 2017, producing two albums: “The Makarrata Project” in 2020 and “Resist” in 2022. The band performed their final concert in October 2022.
Reflections in His Final Months
In his last years, Hirst released his album “Born Electric” in October 2025 and followed it with an EP titled “A Hundred Years or More,” created in collaboration with Jim Moginie and Hamish Stuart. Despite his health struggles, he remained positive and contemplative, sharing insights about life, legacy, and the significance of appreciating everyday beauty.
Rob Hirst’s legacy lives on through his music and the indelible mark he left on the Australian rock scene. As Midnight Oil expressed, their grief for their brother is profound, yet his musical contributions will forever resonate through their songs.
