Midnight Oil Drummer and Co-Founder Rob Hirst Dies at 70
The Australian music world is in mourning today following the announcement that Rob Hirst, the legendary drummer and co-founder of rock band Midnight Oil, has died at the age of 70. The band confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, revealing he had been battling cancer for nearly three years.
A Peaceful Passing After Heroic Fight
In their official statement posted to their website, Midnight Oil shared that Hirst "died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones" after what they described as a heroic three-year fight against cancer. The band poignantly noted that he was "now free of pain", adding the poetic tribute: "a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness."
Hirst had been remarkably open about his health struggles, revealing in April last year that he had undergone "pretty much every treatment known to man" in his determined battle against the disease. His commitment to helping others continued even during his illness, with an October auction of his touring drum kit to raise funds for struggling Australian musicians.
Architect of Australia's Political Rock Sound
As co-founder of Midnight Oil alongside guitarist Jim Moginie in 1976, Hirst was instrumental in creating one of Australia's most distinctive and politically charged rock sounds. The band achieved international fame with their 1987 album Diesel and Dust, featuring iconic singles like "Beds are Burning" and "The Dead Heart" that blended powerful rock with social commentary.
The group's influence was recognised with Grammy nominations in both 1989 and 1991, though they never took home the award. After their initial run from 1976 to 2002, Midnight Oil reformed in 2016 for a final series of performances that concluded in 2022.
Tributes Pour In from Music Community
The news of Hirst's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Australian music industry and beyond. Fellow rock icon Jimmy Barnes led the emotional responses, posting on Instagram: "Rob Hirst has had a massive impact on Australian culture. He was the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time."
Barnes continued with heartfelt praise: "RIP, dear Rob. You are irreplaceable, one of a kind, and myself, my family, and all the rest of this great country will miss you so much."
Fellow Australian band Hoodoo Gurus also shared a moving tribute, highlighting Hirst's close friendship with their bassist Rick Grossman. Their statement read: "You left this world a far better place than the way you found it. Your creativity, passion and joy has left its mark on all of us, and the strength of your spirit will be an inspiration forever. A life well lived."
Remembered as More Than Just a Drummer
Fans and fellow musicians have been quick to emphasise that Hirst's contributions extended far beyond his drumming prowess. As one admirer noted on social media: "Let's not forget that, in addition to being Australia's greatest drummer, he was also a great singer."
This sentiment was echoed by his longtime bandmate Jim Moginie, who in his 2024 memoir The Silver River described Hirst as the "engine room, onstage and off" for Midnight Oil. Moginie wrote affectionately: "Rob was brash, funny and super intelligent, contrary to the clichéd view of drummers."
Another fan tribute captured the essence of his musical impact: "I was always in total awe whenever I saw Rob Hirst play. Playing with Midnight Oil, Backsliders, The Break and many other bands, Rob always brought the power and the passion to everything he did."
The legacy of Rob Hirst extends beyond his musical achievements to include his generosity and commitment to supporting fellow artists, a spirit that continued right through his final months. His passing marks the end of an era for Australian rock music, but his powerful drumming, distinctive voice, and passionate performances will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
