Australia — The music world is in deep mourning today with the passing of Rob Hirst, the renowned drummer, songwriter, and founding member of the iconic rock band Midnight Oil. Hirst died peacefully at the age of 70 after a brave and nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family and loved ones. His passing marks the end of an era for Australian music and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, activism and unwavering passion.
Australia — The music world is in deep mourning today with the passing of Rob Hirst, the renowned drummer, songwriter, and founding member of the iconic rock band Midnight Oil. Hirst died peacefully at the age of 70 after a brave and nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family and loved ones. His passing marks the end of an era for Australian music and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, activism and unwavering passion.
Rob Hirst’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. Born Robert George Hirst in 1955 in Camden, New South Wales, he developed a lifelong love of music that led him to co-found Midnight Oil in the 1970s. Over almost five decades, Hirst’s powerful and dynamic drumming, his distinctive songwriting contributions, and his voice on and off stage helped shape the band into one of Australia’s most enduring and influential musical acts. Midnight Oil released 13 studio albums, creating a catalogue of songs that resonated deeply with fans and spoke to broader social and environmental issues.
Songs like “Beds Are Burning,” “The Dead Heart,” and “Blue Sky Mine” became anthems for a generation — blending rock prowess with lyrical messages about justice, land rights and environmental stewardship. Hirst wasn’t just the drummer; he was one of the creative engines of the group, infusing its music with energy and urgency that made their live performances legendary.
Beyond Midnight Oil, Hirst’s musical journey included collaborations with other Australian acts such as Ghostwriters, Backsliders, The Angry Tradesmen and The Break, demonstrating his versatility and enduring love for exploration across musical styles.
Hirst’s courage during his illness — and his openness in sharing his journey — helped raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, a disease that often remains hidden until advanced stages. In his final years he used his voice to encourage others to seek early detection and support.
“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,” Midnight Oil wrote in a statement. The family has asked that those wishing to honour his memory consider supporting important causes connected to his life and values.
Causes to Honour Rob Hirst’s Legacy To celebrate Hirst’s life and legacy in meaningful ways, donations to the following organisations are encouraged:
Pankind / Pancreatic Cancer Australia — supporting pancreatic cancer awareness, research and patient care.
Support Act — a music industry charity providing financial and mental health support to musicians and industry workers in need.
Condolences from the Team at musick.com.au From all of us at musick.com.au, we extend our deepest sympathy to Rob’s wife, Lesley Holland, his daughters Gabriella, Lex and Jay, and his wider family, friends and bandmates. Rob Hirst’s rhythm was more than a beat — it was the heartbeat of Australian rock and a voice for conscience and community. His music brought people together, inspired change, and lifted spirits across generations. His legacy will continue to echo in hearts and speakers around the world. Rest in peace, Rob. The songs remain — and so does the impact of your remarkable life.
Rob Hirst’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. Born Robert George Hirst in 1955 in Camden, New South Wales, he developed a lifelong love of music that led him to co-found Midnight Oil in the 1970s. Over almost five decades, Hirst’s powerful and dynamic drumming, his distinctive songwriting contributions, and his voice on and off stage helped shape the band into one of Australia’s most enduring and influential musical acts. Midnight Oil released 13 studio albums, creating a catalogue of songs that resonated deeply with fans and spoke to broader social and environmental issues.
Songs like “Beds Are Burning,” “The Dead Heart,” and “Blue Sky Mine” became anthems for a generation — blending rock prowess with lyrical messages about justice, land rights and environmental stewardship. Hirst wasn’t just the drummer; he was one of the creative engines of the group, infusing its music with energy and urgency that made their live performances legendary.
Beyond Midnight Oil, Hirst’s musical journey included collaborations with other Australian acts such as Ghostwriters, Backsliders, The Angry Tradesmen and The Break, demonstrating his versatility and enduring love for exploration across musical styles.
Hirst’s courage during his illness — and his openness in sharing his journey — helped raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, a disease that often remains hidden until advanced stages. In his final years he used his voice to encourage others to seek early detection and support.
“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,” Midnight Oil wrote in a statement. The family has asked that those wishing to honour his memory consider supporting important causes connected to his life and values.
Causes to Honour Rob Hirst’s Legacy To celebrate Hirst’s life and legacy in meaningful ways, donations to the following organisations are encouraged:
Pankind / Pancreatic Cancer Australia — supporting pancreatic cancer awareness, research and patient care.
Support Act — a music industry charity providing financial and mental health support to musicians and industry workers in need.
Condolences from the Team at musick.com.au From all of us at musick.com.au, we extend our deepest sympathy to Rob’s wife, Lesley Holland, his daughters Gabriella, Lex and Jay, and his wider family, friends and bandmates. Rob Hirst’s rhythm was more than a beat — it was the heartbeat of Australian rock and a voice for conscience and community. His music brought people together, inspired change, and lifted spirits across generations. His legacy will continue to echo in hearts and speakers around the world. Rest in peace, Rob. The songs remain — and so does the impact of your remarkable life.