Rob Hirst, founding member and longtime drummer of iconic Australian band Midnight Oil, has died aged 70.
In a statement shared on the band’s social media channels, Midnight Oil confirmed Hirst passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,’” the statement said. The family has asked that those wishing to honour Hirst consider donating to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, or Support Act.
Diagnosed in 2023, Hirst remained open about his illness and its impact. In one of his final interviews with ABC Radio Sydney in November, he recalled that the diagnosis came just months after Midnight Oil played its final show in October 2022.
“Everything was rolling along and looking forward to retirement, and then suddenly it hits you,” he said.
Hirst detailed the intensive treatment he underwent, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a bout of sepsis earlier this year. Despite the physical toll, he spoke candidly about the emotional support he received throughout his illness, describing it as a powerful reminder of the kindness and care people offer in times of crisis.
A gifted musician and songwriter, Hirst contributed to many of Midnight Oil’s most influential tracks, including Beds Are Burning, Blue Sky Mine, and Read About It. Born in Camden in Sydney’s south-west, he helped form the band that would go on to shape Australian rock and political music for decades.
The band released a brief message through its management, saying: “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words, but there will always be songs.”
Tributes have poured in from across the Australian music community. Jimmy Barnes described Hirst as having a “massive impact” on the nation’s culture, calling him “irreplaceable” and expressing condolences on behalf of his family and fans nationwide. Cold Chisel also paid tribute, calling Hirst an extraordinary drummer, songwriter, and friend.
Even as his health declined, Hirst continued to make music. His famous 1979 Ludwig drum kit — used from Midnight Oil’s second album onwards — was auctioned for charity, raising $90,000, and is now displayed in a Melbourne museum. While he stepped back from large rock performances, he continued playing with blues trio Backsliders, adapting his style to suit his changing health.
“I can’t thrash rock ’n’ roll drums anymore,” he said, explaining that he had shifted to lighter percussion, acoustic guitar, and harmony vocals. With his voice deepening due to illness, he joked that his sound had moved closer to the style of Leonard Cohen.
Rob Hirst leaves behind a legacy defined by powerful music, social conscience, and deep respect across Australia’s cultural landscape.
