Peter Garrett Leads Tributes: Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst Dies at 70

Rob Hirst, the renowned drummer of the iconic Australian band Midnight Oil, has passed away at the age of 70. His death is attributed to complications from advanced pancreatic cancer, a battle he faced for nearly three years.

Tributes Pour In for Rob Hirst

The frontman of Midnight Oil, Peter Garrett, expressed deep sorrow over Hirst’s passing. In a heartfelt message on the band’s Facebook page, Garrett noted, “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob.” He described Hirst’s release from pain as a “glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness.”

• Hirst was a founding member of Midnight Oil, formed in the 1970s.
• The band gained global fame with hits like “Beds Are Burning” and “Blue Sky Mine.”
• He co-wrote many of the band’s most acclaimed songs.

Tributes from Fellow Musicians

The music community has rallied to honor Hirst’s legacy. Jimmy Barnes lauded him as the “engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time.” Dom Turner, a blues guitarist and friend, described Hirst as having “incredible musicality, intelligence, and a boundless passion for life.”

Hirst’s Musical Journey

Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023, just six months after the final Midnight Oil performance. His drum kit, a black Ludwig model he played for decades, was auctioned for $90,000, with proceeds benefiting the Australian Music Vault in Melbourne.

• Date of diagnosis: 2023
• Last performance: Early 2023 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion
• Drum kit auction price: $90,000

Legacy and Personal Life

Hirst leaves behind his wife, Lesley Holland, and their three daughters. His contributions to music were recognized not just for his drumming, but also for his songwriting and vocal talents. Sean Sennett, a musician and close friend, remarked on Hirst’s tenacity, recalling their deep conversations and shared experiences over the years.

In his last years, Hirst released an EP titled “A Hundred Years or More,” collaborating with fellow band member Jim Moginie. The EP reflects themes of legacy and introspection, evident in song titles like “Are We There Yet?”

As his friends and family mourn the loss of a remarkable musician, Hirst’s impact on Australian rock music remains indelible. His spirit and creativity will continue to resonate through the music he helped create.