Rob Hirst, the founding drummer and co-songwriter of Midnight Oil, died January 20, 2026, at age 70 after fighting pancreatic cancer for almost three years. The Australian rock legend died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, bringing to a close one of the most influential careers in rock music history.
Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023, battling the disease with the same intensity he brought to his drumming. His bandmates Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey expressed their grief in a brief statement.
Born September 3, 1955, in Camden, New South Wales, Hirst formed a band with school friend Jim Moginie in 1972. The group was initially named Farm before evolving into one of Australia’s most important rock acts. Peter Garrett answered an advertisement to join the band in 1975, and by 1976, the ensemble had adopted the name Midnight Oil.
As Midnight Oil’s drummer, Hirst provided far more than just rhythm. His ferocious, physical drumming style became inseparable from the band’s identity, driving their sound with relentless energy. Beyond the drum kit, he served as a co-songwriter, crafting the lyrics and melodies that gave voice to the band’s powerful political messages. He co-wrote some of Midnight Oil’s most recognizable songs, including the anthems “Beds Are Burning” and “The Dead Heart.”
Midnight Oil released 13 studio albums over their career, which spanned nearly five decades. The band took a prolonged hiatus in 2002, resumed playing in 2017, and officially ended in 2022. Their music tackled environmental destruction, Indigenous rights, corporate power and social justice with a directness that set them apart from their contemporaries. The combination of Garrett’s distinctive vocals, Hirst’s powerful percussion, and the band’s uncompromising political stance made them one of Australia’s most successful international exports.
Martin Rotsey joined the founding members on guitar, completing the core lineup that would carry Midnight Oil through decades of activism and musical evolution. The chemistry between these musicians created a sound that was both commercially successful and artistically uncompromising, proving that political music could reach mainstream audiences without diluting its message.
Hirst’s creative energy extended far beyond Midnight Oil. He was a member of multiple other bands, including Ghostwriters and Backsliders. The Ghostwriters released four albums, showcasing Hirst’s versatility across different musical styles and his commitment to collaborative creativity. These side projects allowed him to explore blues, surf rock and experimental forms while mentoring fellow musicians.
His personal life intersected with his music in profound ways. Hirst is survived by his wife Lesley Holland and daughters Gabriella, Lex and Jay. He reunited with his daughter Jay in 2010 after decades apart, and the two released a collaborative album together in 2020. The reconnection with Jay represented one of the most meaningful chapters of his later life, blending family and artistry in ways that clearly moved him deeply.
Even as cancer threatened his life, Hirst continued creating music. In November 2024, he released an EP titled “A Hundred Years or More,” a deeply personal project that reflected on mortality, legacy and the life he had lived. The recording stood as a testament to his refusal to let illness define his final years, channeling his experience into art rather than surrendering to despair.
Hirst’s passing follows the death of Midnight Oil bass player Bones Hillman, who died in November 2020 at age 62. The loss of two core members within six years marked a painful end to the band’s long journey together, leaving Garrett, Moginie and Rotsey to carry forward the memory of their collaborators and friends.
In recognition of his lifetime contributions to Australian music and culture, Hirst was awarded the Order of Australia Member (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. The honor was awarded posthumously, acknowledging not only his musical achievements but also his role in using art as a force for social change. The timing of the recognition, coming just days after his death, underscored the lasting impact of his work on Australian cultural life.
Hirst’s drumming was more than technical proficiency. It was visceral, passionate and unmistakable. His performances brought physicality and emotion to every beat, making the rhythm section an active participant in the band’s political message rather than mere accompaniment.
The band’s activism was never superficial. From their earliest days, Midnight Oil used their platform to speak out on issues that mattered, from environmental protection to Indigenous land rights. Hirst’s songwriting contributions ensured that these messages came through with authenticity rather than empty sloganeering. The band’s music educated, provoked, and inspired multiple generations of listeners, demonstrating that rock music could be both commercially successful and morally engaged.
His family has asked that those wishing to honor Hirst’s memory consider making donations to organizations supporting pancreatic cancer research and the music industry, reflecting his commitment to supporting others even in death.
Rob Hirst’s legacy extends beyond the albums, awards, and accolades. He demonstrated that musicians could maintain artistic integrity while achieving commercial success, that political engagement could enhance rather than diminish artistic work, and that creativity could flourish across multiple projects and collaborations. His influence on Australian music is immeasurable, inspiring countless artists to use their platforms for meaningful change while never compromising on the quality of their craft.
