Midnight Oil Co-Founder and Percussive Powerhouse Rob Hirst Passes Away at 70
SYDNEY, Australia — The global music community is mourning the loss of Rob Hirst, the visionary co-founder, prolific songwriter, and legendary drummer of Midnight Oil. Hirst passed away on Wednesday (Jan. 20) at the age of 70, following a valiant three-year struggle with cancer.
Hirst was far more than a mere timekeeper for “the Oils.” He served as the band’s rhythmic engine, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable and technically accomplished drummers in rock history. His iconic solo in the 1982 classic “Power and the Passion” remains a definitive moment in Australian music, characterized by a rare blend of raw intensity and sophisticated precision.
“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.”
— Official Statement from Midnight Oil
In a poignant tribute, his surviving brothers-in-arms—Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey—expressed their profound heartbreak: “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words, but there will always be songs.”
A Legacy of Activism and Artistry
A native of Camden, New South Wales, Hirst helped form the group in the early 1970s under the moniker Farm. The band’s trajectory shifted permanently in 1976 when Peter Garrett, then a law student, joined as frontman. Together, they transformed Midnight Oil into a global platform for social justice, fearlessly addressing indigenous rights, environmental preservation, and corporate malpractice.
The 1987 anthem “Beds Are Burning” remains a seminal achievement in the Australian songbook. Beyond its domestic impact, the track resonated globally, reaching No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying album, Diesel and Dust, and its successor, Blue Sky Mining, both achieved significant international chart success, cementing the band’s status as global icons.
Throughout their storied career, Midnight Oil earned 11 ARIA Awards and secured six No. 1 albums, concluding their studio legacy with 2022’s critically acclaimed Resist. Even during Peter Garrett’s decade-long hiatus in federal politics, Hirst remained an unstoppable creative force.
A Lifetime of Creative Exploration
Hirst was a relentless collaborator. His musical curiosity led him to projects such as The Ghostwriters, Backsliders, Hirst & Greene, and The Break (featuring members of Violent Femmes). In 2020, he shared a special milestone by releasing a collaborative album with his daughter, Jay O’Shea. His creative output remained steady until the end; as recently as November, he released the deeply emotive solo EP, A Hundred Years or More.
Tributes have poured in from fellow legends. The members of Cold Chisel remarked, “Rob was an incredible drummer and songwriter—and a good friend to all of us. Vale Rob.” Ian Haug of Powderfinger and The Church described him as an “absolute beast of a drummer” and a “truly inspiring man.”
“Beyond the awards, Rob stood for integrity, activism, and collaboration, using music as a force for change and connection. His influence continues to echo through generations of Australian artists.”
— ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association)
Hirst’s family has requested that those wishing to honor his memory consider a donation to PanKind — Pancreatic Cancer Australia or the music industry support charity, Support Act.
His passing marks another somber chapter for the band, following the 2020 death of longtime bassist Bones Hillman. Rob Hirst leaves behind a legacy defined by rhythmic brilliance and an unwavering commitment to using art as a vehicle for truth.
