Australian band Midnight Oil shared the sad news on Tuesday that their esteemed drummer and co-founding member, Rob Hirst, has passed away at the age of 70. The band made a heartfelt statement on Facebook, expressing that after a courageous battle lasting nearly three years, Rob had found peace and was now free from pain. They also encouraged donations to charities dedicated to pancreatic cancer research, support, and awareness.
Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey, the band’s longstanding members, expressed their deep sorrow in another post, mourning the loss of their brother Rob. They acknowledged the profound impact of the loss while emphasizing that their music would endure.
Midnight Oil’s journey traces back to the early 1970s, with band members residing in Sydney and Canberra during their formative years. The band’s debut album was released in 1978, and they went on to produce several more albums before the influential “Diesel and Dust” in 1987, which solidified their reputation as a socially conscious band with global reach.
Known for their advocacy of Indigenous rights, Midnight Oil’s song “Beds Are Burning” from “Diesel and Dust” achieved significant success, topping charts in Canada and reaching the top 20 on the Billboard charts in the U.S. Their dynamic live performances, characterized by Peter Garrett’s energetic presence and Rob Hirst’s powerful drumming, captivated audiences.
Despite changes in the music industry landscape due to the internet and streaming services, Midnight Oil continued to release albums until 2002. Peter Garrett transitioned into politics, serving as a prominent figure in the Australian government. Meanwhile, Rob Hirst remained active in music, contributing to various projects and endeavors.
The passing of Rob Hirst has elicited tributes from various quarters, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and fellow musicians such as Jimmy Barnes, INXS, and Hoodoo Gurus. Rob’s battle with cancer, his resilience during treatment, and his enduring legacy within Midnight Oil and the music industry have left an indelible mark on those who knew him and his work.