The Australian music world is in mourning following the death of Rob Hirst, the founding drummer and driving rhythmic force behind the iconic rock band Midnight Oil. Hirst passed away peacefully at the age of 70, nearly three years after being diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer.
A ferocious talent and lyrical voice
Hirst was far more than just the band's percussionist. While best known for his powerful, furious drumming style that fuelled Midnight Oil's intense live performances, he was also a crucial creative voice. He co-wrote the lyrics and melodies for many of the band's most anthemic songs, including global hits like 'Beds Are Burning', 'The Dead Heart', 'Short Memory', and 'Forgotten Years'. His bandmate Jim Moginie, in a 2024 memoir, described Hirst as the band's "engine room, onstage and off", noting he was "brash, funny and super intelligent, contrary to the clichéd view of drummers".
A courageous final chapter and enduring legacy
Hirst was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023. In 2025, he spoke publicly about his support for voluntary assisted dying, a choice he was eligible for in his home state of New South Wales. "Why should you have to die in terrible, drawn-out pain?" he asked in an interview. "When you’ve had this amazing life – a life like I’ve had – why should end-of-life be so horrific when there’s an alternative?"
The band confirmed his death in a statement, saying: "After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones." The family requested that well-wishers honour his memory by donating to pancreatic cancer charities or the music industry support organisation, Support Act.
From Schwampy Moose to rock 'n' roll royalty
Born in New South Wales in 1955, Hirst's musical journey began after receiving his first drum kit aged 12, following surgery for a benign leg tumour. He formed a school band with friend Jim Moginie in 1972, which underwent several name changes before a fateful advertisement for a singer was answered by Peter Garrett in 1975. With Garrett on vocals, the lineup solidified into Midnight Oil in 1976.
Over a career spanning almost 50 years, Midnight Oil released 13 studio albums. Hirst remained until the band's hiatus in 2002, later reuniting with them in 2017. Beyond the Oils, he was a prolific musician, playing in bands like the Ghostwriters, the Backsliders, the Angry Tradesmen, and the surf-rock group The Break.
Rob Hirst is survived by his wife, Leslie Holland, their two daughters, and his eldest daughter, musician Jay O'Shea, with whom he reunited in 2010 after she was adopted at birth. Reflecting on his life in 2025, Hirst said: "It’s been absolutely better than anything anyone could ever ask for... I will still consider myself incredibly fortunate." His thunderous beats and songwriting genius have left an indelible mark on rock music.
