Midnight Oil’s Co-Founder and Drummer Passes Away at 70
Robert “Rob” Hirst, a co-founder and drummer of the renowned Australian band Midnight Oil, has passed away at the age of 70. The band announced his death on social media, though they did not disclose a specific cause. Hirst had been battling pancreatic cancer since 2023.
The band expressed their sorrow, stating, “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.” They 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.”
Legacy of Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil, known for their politically charged music, made a significant impact in the 1980s and 1990s. Led by frontman Peter Garrett, the band achieved commercial success with albums such as:
- Diesel and Dust (1987)
- Blue Sky Mining (1990)
- Earth and Sun and Moon (1993)
They produced numerous hit singles, including:
- “Beds Are Burning”
- “The Dead Heart”
- “Blue Sky Mine”
- “Forgotten Years”
- “King of the Mountain”
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on September 5, 1955, in Camden, New South Wales, Hirst began his musical career in 1972. He formed a trio with Jim Moginie and Andrew “Bear” James, initially calling themselves Schwampy Moose and later Farm.
In 1973, they became Midnight Oil with the addition of Peter Garrett and later guitarist Martin Rotsey in 1977. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1978, followed by the successful Head Injuries in 1979.
Chart Success and Acclaimed Albums
Midnight Oil’s third album, Place Without a Post Card (1981), reached No. 12 in Australia, while their 1982 album, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, yielded their first Australian Top 10 hit, “Power and the Passion.”
After their album Red Sails in the Sunset (1984), Midnight Oil began a series of chart-topping successes. Their groundbreaking album Diesel and Dust featured the iconic tracks “Beds Are Burning” and “The Dead Heart,” which addressed Indigenous issues.
“Beds Are Burning” became a global hit, reaching No. 1 in several countries and achieving a Top 10 position in the UK charts. The band continued to find success with Blue Sky Mining, which also produced significant singles like “Blue Sky Mine” and “Forgotten Years.”
A Lasting Impact
Midnight Oil’s impact on music was profound. Their ability to blend rock with political activism set them apart in the industry. The band went on hiatus in 2001 after releasing Capricornia and reunited in 2016 to produce two more albums.
Hirst’s contributions extended beyond the band. He collaborated with other artists, forming Ghostwriters, and released a series of solo albums. His last album, Born Electric, was released in October 2022.
In honoring Hirst’s memory, his family has requested that donations be made to Pankind or Support Act in lieu of flowers. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the songs that defined a generation.
