Australian rock musician Rob Hirst has died at the age of 70.
Hirst, who rose to prominence as the drummer and one of the founding members of the influential surf-punk outfit Midnight Oil, succumbed after a struggle with cancer. He had been diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023.
In a message posted to the band’s Instagram account, Midnight Oil said Hirst had battled the illness with great courage and that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. The statement added that he was at last relieved of pain and described his passing as a small, tender light in a difficult landscape.
The band asked that anyone wishing to pay tribute consider making a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Australia or to Support Act, the music industry charity.
Midnight Oil became one of Australia’s most celebrated rock groups, winning international recognition for their distinct blend of urgent, politically minded songwriting and energetic performances. Their live shows were particularly notable, in part because of frontman Peter Garrett’s theatrical, animated stage presence.
Although the group released several well-regarded records, they achieved their greatest commercial and cultural impact with the 1987 album Diesel and Dust. That record produced some of their most enduring tracks, including “The Dead Heart” and the global anthem “Beds Are Burning.” Midnight Oil remained active on the world stage until their initial breakup in 2002. They reunited in 2016 and later issued their final studio album, Resist, in 2022.
Hirst’s contribution as a percussionist and as a driving creative force helped shape the band’s sound across decades, and he will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike for both his musicianship and his commitment to the causes the band championed.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters — two of whom are theirs together — who were by his side in his final moments.
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