The music world is in mourning following the death of Rob Hirst, legendary drummer, songwriter and co‑founding member of Australian rock giants Midnight Oil. Hirst passed away at the age of 70 on January 20, 2026, after a nearly three‑year battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy that shaped not only Australian music but resonated globally.
In an official statement shared on Midnight Oil’s social media, his bandmates confirmed that Hirst died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. “After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain — a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness,” the message read, urging fans to honour him through donations to organisations such as PanKind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia and Support Act.
Born on September 3, 1955, in Sydney’s Camden district, Robert George Hirst’s musical journey began early. Alongside school friend Jim Moginie, he formed the band that would eventually become Midnight Oil in 1972, later joined by Peter Garrett on vocals and Martin Rotsey on guitar. From the outset, Hirst was central to the band’s identity, contributing not only his powerful drumming but also acting as a principal songwriter and creative anchor.
Midnight Oil cut their teeth in Australia’s vibrant pub rock scene of the 1970s and 1980s, building a reputation for electrifying live performances and socially conscious music. Hirst’s drumming — fierce, rhythmic and innovative — became a key element of the band’s sound and stage presence.
As a songwriter, Hirst helped build Midnight Oil’s catalogue of anthems that blended rock energy with political passion and cultural commentary. His co‑writing credits include such defining tracks as “Beds Are Burning,” “Blue Sky Mine,” “The Dead Heart,” and “Power and the Passion” — songs that tackled themes ranging from Indigenous land rights to environmental preservation and social justice.
Though he often worked in the shadow of frontman Garrett’s distinctive voice, those who knew the band’s dynamics described Hirst as a quietly commanding presence, a creative force whose contributions helped define the Oils’ globally recognised sound.
After Midnight Oil concluded their storied career with a final concert in October 2022, Hirst’s life took an unexpected turn. Six months later, he was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer, a condition he battled with characteristic resilience and candour. He spoke publicly about his treatment journey, raising awareness for the disease at a time when few people fully understood its severity.
Throughout his illness, Hirst continued to create. In late 2025, he released A Hundred Years or More, an EP recorded with longtime collaborator Jim Moginie and drummer Hamish Stuart, reflecting on life, friendship and a six‑decade connection to music.
Beyond the stage, Hirst was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Lesley Holland, and his three daughters: Gabriella, Lex and Jay. In recent years, he also collaborated musically with his children, forging deep personal bonds through shared creative work.
An ardent lover of nature and the Australian coastline, Hirst often spoke of the solace he found in the ocean near his Manly home, where he would swim regularly. His connection to the natural world — as both inspiration and refuge — mirrored the environmental advocacy reflected in his music.
News of Hirst’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians and the wider cultural community. Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes described him as “one of a kind” whose influence on music and culture was profound. Tributes on social media and in fan forums reflected deep admiration, with many recalling his thunderous performances, creative songwriting and warm personality.
Social platforms were flooded with memories of Hirst’s performances — particularly his dynamic playing on classics like “Power and the Passion” — and gratitude for the inspiration he provided to drummers and musicians around the world.
Rob Hirst’s death marks the end of an era for Midnight Oil and for Australian music as a whole. Over nearly five decades, his work as a drummer, songwriter and outspoken advocate helped elevate rock music into a force for cultural critique and social voice. His rhythms will continue to echo through the band’s timeless songs, and his influence will be felt by generations of musicians and listeners alike.
As the band summed it up in their announcement: while words may fail in the face of such loss, there will always be songs.
