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Rob Hirst, the founding drummer, co-songwriter, and driving rhythmic force behind the legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has died at the age of 70 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

His passing was confirmed by the band in a deeply emotional statement shared on social media on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, marking the end of an era for one of Australia’s most influential musical acts.

Hirst’s death is not only a profound loss for the world of rock music but also for the countless fans who grew up to the thrum of his drums and the socially conscious lyrics of Midnight Oil. Known for his powerhouse rhythms, unrelenting energy, and meticulous musicianship.

Hirst helped define the sound of a generation, one in which rock music became a vehicle for activism, storytelling, and social commentary.

A Statement of Grief and Gratitude

Midnight Oil shared their sorrow on Instagram, alongside a photo of the band together, writing:

“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.”

In a separate statement on Facebook, the band revealed more details about Hirst’s courageous battle with cancer, explaining that he had been living with the disease for nearly three years.

“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain,” the statement read. “‘A glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness.’ He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Rob donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.”

A Founding Force in Australian Rock

Rob Hirst co-founded Midnight Oil in Sydney in 1972, alongside guitarist Martin Rotsey, bassist Peter Garrett, and guitarist Jim Moginie.

The band emerged in the post-punk and hard rock scenes of Australia, quickly gaining recognition for their explosive live performances, socially charged lyrics, and unapologetic political stances.

Midnight Oil’s self-titled debut album was released in 1978, but it was their 1987 breakthrough album, Diesel and Dust, that propelled the band to global fame.

Featuring the anthem Beds Are Burning, the album brought the band’s uncompromising advocacy for Indigenous land rights and environmental issues to international audiences. The record sold millions of copies worldwide and remains a landmark in the history of politically engaged rock music.

Throughout their career, Midnight Oil sold more than 20 million albums globally and became known for their electrifying live shows, in which Hirst’s precise yet energetic drumming served as both backbone and catalyst.

Beyond his technical skill, Hirst was a key creative voice within the band, co-writing some of their most iconic songs, including Beds Are Burning, The Dead Heart, Blue Sky Mine, Forgotten Years, and King of the Mountain. Each track bore his signature rhythmic complexity, grounding the band’s potent messages in irresistible grooves.

The band received widespread recognition, winning 11 ARIA Awards and being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006 — cementing their place in Australian music history.

Hirst’s role was central not only to the band’s sound but also to its political identity. Through his drumming, he transformed social consciousness into rhythm, making the call for justice impossible to ignore.

Battling Cancer and Continuing to Create

Hirst was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023, a devastating blow to the musician, his family, and fans. Even after receiving the diagnosis, he continued to make music, demonstrating the resilience and determination that had defined his career.

In his final years, Hirst remained creatively active. He launched a solo career in 2005, exploring different musical landscapes outside the collective sound of Midnight Oil.

In 2020, he released a collaborative album with his daughter, Jay O’Shea, marking a significant personal and artistic reunion. The pair had only reconnected a few years prior, and the project was deeply personal, reflecting their journey toward rebuilding a relationship and creating music together.

O’Shea shared the story behind their collaboration on Instagram, writing:

“For those who don’t know, I was adopted as a baby and 10 years ago found my birth parents. The story of how we all came together sounds like bad fiction writing as it’s quite unbelievable.

We really made this music as a way of getting to know each other better and after much laughing, drinking some good wines and eating too much cheese, these songs were born.”

Hirst’s approach to the collaboration was unconventional, unconstrained by industry expectations or pressures. “There were no parameters, guidelines or pressures of what a reunited Father/Daughter collaboration should sound like. Each song is a snapshot. Each song has its own space and story,” he explained.

In November 2025, Hirst released his final solo EP, A Hundred Years or More, which he described in one of his last interviews:

“Now that I’ve started counting back in life rather than counting forward, the days are even more precious. I still wake in the night with lyrics and melodies. Musical insomnia. If you’re a songwriter, blessed or cursed, it’s always there. Maybe there’s a couple more songs. You never say never.”

Tragically, there would be no more songs from Hirst, who passed away in January 2026 at the age of 70. His daughter, Jay O’Shea, shared a poignant tribute to her father:

“There are no words right now to describe the feeling of losing this great friend and Father. We are all just…. heartbroken. Love you so much Dad, J”

Legacy and Influence

Rob Hirst’s legacy extends far beyond drumming. His rhythms, compositions, and creative contributions helped define Midnight Oil as a band whose music was inseparable from its activism.

Their songs addressed environmental destruction, Indigenous rights, workers’ struggles, and political corruption — all delivered with the intensity and precision that Hirst’s drumming made possible.

The band went on hiatus in 2002, giving members time to pursue solo projects, but reunited in 2016 to record new music. Midnight Oil released two additional albums in this period, including their final record, Resist, in 2022.

This was followed by a farewell tour, capping off decades of groundbreaking music and social influence. Hirst’s commitment to both his art and his message never waned, and even in his final years, he remained deeply engaged in creative work.

Beyond his musical achievements, Hirst’s personal story resonates with resilience, familial bonds, and artistic integrity. He exemplified a dedication to craft, a belief in music as a vehicle for social change, and a commitment to nurturing relationships, both personal and professional.

His collaboration with his daughter Jay O’Shea, in particular, highlighted his role as a father and mentor, demonstrating that his influence extended across generations.

Remembering Rob Hirst

Fans, fellow musicians, and public figures have paid tribute to Hirst’s enormous contributions to music and culture. Social media has been flooded with memories of his explosive live performances, his innovative drumming, and the indelible impact of Midnight Oil’s songs.

Many have noted how his music continues to inspire activism, social awareness, and appreciation for rhythm and composition alike.

The band encouraged anyone wishing to honor Hirst to donate to causes close to his heart, including Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, and Support Act — a reflection of his lifelong dedication to both music and community.

Rob Hirst leaves behind an enduring musical legacy: a body of work built on rhythm, resistance, and a firm belief that music can inspire change.

From the first drumbeat in a Sydney rehearsal room in 1972 to the final recordings with his daughter, Hirst’s life was defined by creativity, passion, and unrelenting dedication to his craft.

A Life Remembered

Rob Hirst’s passing is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring power of art. His drums, melodies, and lyrics will continue to resonate, carrying messages of justice, empathy, and connection for generations to come.

His life demonstrates that music is not just entertainment — it is a force, a vehicle for expression, and a legacy that transcends the span of a single lifetime.

As the world mourns the loss of this great musician, it also celebrates the life of a man who shaped Australian rock music, inspired activism, and left a mark that will echo far beyond the stage.

Rob Hirst was not merely a drummer; he was a storyteller, a visionary, a father, and a friend. His rhythm will forever beat in the hearts of those who love music and believe in its power to change the world.

RIP Rob Hirst, 1955–2026. Your music, your passion, and your legacy will never be forgotten.