Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil Drummer, Dead at 70

Rob Hirst, the original and longtime drummer of Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has died at age 70 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

On their official Facebook page, Midnight Oil stated, “After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain – ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness.’ He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.”

The band later added, “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words but there will always be songs. Love Always from Jim, Martin & Pete.”

Hirst formed Midnight Oil in Sydney in 1976 with singer Peter Garrett, guitarist Jim Moginie, and bassist Andrew James, with longtime guitarist Martin Rotsey joining a year later. He remained the band’s drummer throughout their entire existence, having last been active in October 2022, as which time Midnight Oil concluded their farewell tour.

The drummer played on all 13 of Midnight Oil’s albums, from their self-titled 1978 debut through 2022’s Resist. The band scored its biggest hits in the late ’80s and early ’90s with such songs as “Beds Are Burning,” “Blue Sky Mine,” and “Forgotten Years.”

Hirst, who also occasionally sang lead vocals for Midnight Oil, first revealed his battle with pancreatic cancer in April of last year, saying at the time, “I’ve had pretty much every treatment known to man – every scan, ultrasound, MRI. I’ve kind of had ‘the works.’”

Fans can honor Hirst by donating to Pankind – Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or Support Act.

Hirst’s passing sadly follows the death of longtime Midnight Oil bassist Bones Hillman, who died of cancer in November 2020 at the age of 62.

Our condolences go out to Rob Hirt’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit his work in Midnight Oil in the videos below.