Australian Rock Icon Rob Hirst Dies at 70 After Three-Year Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
Renowned drummer and founding member of Midnight Oil, Rob Hirst, has passed away at the age of 70 after a three-year fight against stage three pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed by the band on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement on social media, Midnight Oil expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support for Hirst during his illness, saying he "is now free of pain" and has died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. The family urged fans to donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, or Support Act in Hirst's memory.
Hirst was known not only for his energetic drumming but also as a talented lyricist and cowriter who contributed to many of Midnight Oil's hit songs, including "Beds Are Burning," "The Dead Heart," and "King of the Mountain." His bandmates described him as "brash, funny, and super intelligent" and praised his contributions to the band.
A musician with multiple sides, Hirst was also a member of various other bands, such as Ghostwriters, Backsliders, Angry Tradesmen, and Break. He began playing drums at 12 after surgery for a benign tumor on his right leg and went on to form Midnight Oil in 1976 with Peter Garrett.
Throughout his career, Hirst released 13 studio albums with Midnight Oil over nearly five decades, although the band took a hiatus from 2002 to 2017. During this time, he explored other musical projects, including forming Ghostwriters and joining Hoodoo Gurus.
Hirst is survived by his wife, Leslie Holland, their two daughters, Alexandra and Gabriella, and his eldest daughter Jay O'Shea, who was given up for adoption after her birth in 1978. In a statement to the Australian in 2025, O'Shea reflected on Hirst's life, saying it had been "absolutely better than anything anyone could ever ask for" despite being cut short by illness.
The music world has lost an iconic figure with Midnight Oil's announcement of Rob Hirst's passing.
Renowned drummer and founding member of Midnight Oil, Rob Hirst, has passed away at the age of 70 after a three-year fight against stage three pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed by the band on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement on social media, Midnight Oil expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support for Hirst during his illness, saying he "is now free of pain" and has died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. The family urged fans to donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, or Support Act in Hirst's memory.
Hirst was known not only for his energetic drumming but also as a talented lyricist and cowriter who contributed to many of Midnight Oil's hit songs, including "Beds Are Burning," "The Dead Heart," and "King of the Mountain." His bandmates described him as "brash, funny, and super intelligent" and praised his contributions to the band.
A musician with multiple sides, Hirst was also a member of various other bands, such as Ghostwriters, Backsliders, Angry Tradesmen, and Break. He began playing drums at 12 after surgery for a benign tumor on his right leg and went on to form Midnight Oil in 1976 with Peter Garrett.
Throughout his career, Hirst released 13 studio albums with Midnight Oil over nearly five decades, although the band took a hiatus from 2002 to 2017. During this time, he explored other musical projects, including forming Ghostwriters and joining Hoodoo Gurus.
Hirst is survived by his wife, Leslie Holland, their two daughters, Alexandra and Gabriella, and his eldest daughter Jay O'Shea, who was given up for adoption after her birth in 1978. In a statement to the Australian in 2025, O'Shea reflected on Hirst's life, saying it had been "absolutely better than anything anyone could ever ask for" despite being cut short by illness.
The music world has lost an iconic figure with Midnight Oil's announcement of Rob Hirst's passing.
. I mean, 70 is a good age and all, but when you're dealin' with stage three pancreatic cancer, it's like the universe is just sayin' no, mate. 
Still, what a legend Rob Hirst was! I mean, "Beds Are Burning" still gives me chills every time I hear it 
. And he had this crazy cool career spannin' multiple bands and projects – that's dedication right there 
. He might be gone, but his music lives on and I'm sure he's jammin' with the angels now 
. My thoughts are with his loved ones, especially his daughters who must've been goin' through hell during this tough time 
. That guy was a true rock legend and one of the most talented drummers I've ever seen. His legacy with Midnight Oil is still so strong - those songs he co-wrote are still anthems for many 
. It's not just about his music, though; it's about how he lived life on his own terms (no pun intended 
) and inspired so many people through his humor, wit, and passion. Rest in peace, Rob... your beat will live on 
️ so sad... remember when i was like 12 and his band hoodoo gurus came to town? they put on an epic show at the venue i went to with my mates 
anyway, what really gets me is how he battled stage three pancreatic cancer for 3 years 
and still managed to write some amazing songs... dont forget beds are burning and king of the mountain 
. 70 is young for cancer, you know? Rob was more than just a drummer, he was like the heartbeat of Midnight Oil. His music lives on though, and I'm sure his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of musicians. It's crazy that someone who started playing drums at 12 and made it to 70...it's just wild. I remember listening to "Beds Are Burning" back in the day and being like 'wow, this dude can really rock'. Rest in peace, Rob 
he was a legend drummer n all 2 b honest, i loved his energy wen he played drums 4 midnight oil, his songs stil get me pumped up 2 this day 
even tho he fought stage 3 pancreatic cancer 4 3 yrs, it's still sad 2 hear he passed away at 70. u gotta respect the man n his legacy, wat a talented lyricist & cowriter 2 
my fave song by midnight oil is "beds r burning" 
rest in peace rob hirst 
It's also worth considering the impact of our lifestyle choices on our health - is it a lack of access to healthcare or just poor dietary habits and lack of exercise that contributes to pancreatic cancer? 
As we mourn the loss of a talented musician, let's also use this as an opportunity to spark a conversation about how we can improve our overall well-being and support those affected by cancer 