Renowned Drummer and Songwriter Rob Hirst of Midnight Oil Passes Away at 70
Sydney, Australia - Music fans around the world are mourning the loss of Rob Hirst, the co-founder, co-songwriter, and drummer for the iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil. Hirst passed away on January 20th following a three-year battle with cancer, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music industry.
Hirst was more than just a talented musician - he was the heartbeat of Midnight Oil's sound, delivering powerful performances that captivated audiences worldwide. His solo in the band's 1982 hit "Power And The Passion" remains one of the most memorable pieces of percussion in Aussie rock music history.
The news of Hirst's passing has sent shockwaves through the music community, with fellow musicians and fans paying tribute to his incredible talent and generosity. Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey, the surviving bandmates, have expressed their devastation, saying that there are no words but there will always be songs.
Born in Camden, on the outskirts of Sydney, Hirst co-founded Midnight Oil in the early 1970s, initially as Farm. The group went on to tackle tough subjects in their lyrics, from corporate greed and corruption to civil rights and more. Their music was a benchmark for Australian rock, with hits like "Beds Are Burning" resonating internationally and peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout his career, Hirst has been recognized for his contributions to music, including induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music in 2018. He also released several solo projects, collaborated with other artists, and worked on various charity initiatives.
Hirst's legacy extends beyond his impressive musical achievements. He was a true advocate for social justice and activism, using music as a force for change and connection. His influence continues to echo through generations of Australian artists, inspiring countless musicians and fans around the world.
As the music community comes together to celebrate Hirst's life and work, his family has asked that anyone wanting to honor him do so by donating to Pankind - Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act, two organizations close to his heart.
Sydney, Australia - Music fans around the world are mourning the loss of Rob Hirst, the co-founder, co-songwriter, and drummer for the iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil. Hirst passed away on January 20th following a three-year battle with cancer, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music industry.
Hirst was more than just a talented musician - he was the heartbeat of Midnight Oil's sound, delivering powerful performances that captivated audiences worldwide. His solo in the band's 1982 hit "Power And The Passion" remains one of the most memorable pieces of percussion in Aussie rock music history.
The news of Hirst's passing has sent shockwaves through the music community, with fellow musicians and fans paying tribute to his incredible talent and generosity. Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey, the surviving bandmates, have expressed their devastation, saying that there are no words but there will always be songs.
Born in Camden, on the outskirts of Sydney, Hirst co-founded Midnight Oil in the early 1970s, initially as Farm. The group went on to tackle tough subjects in their lyrics, from corporate greed and corruption to civil rights and more. Their music was a benchmark for Australian rock, with hits like "Beds Are Burning" resonating internationally and peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout his career, Hirst has been recognized for his contributions to music, including induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music in 2018. He also released several solo projects, collaborated with other artists, and worked on various charity initiatives.
Hirst's legacy extends beyond his impressive musical achievements. He was a true advocate for social justice and activism, using music as a force for change and connection. His influence continues to echo through generations of Australian artists, inspiring countless musicians and fans around the world.
As the music community comes together to celebrate Hirst's life and work, his family has asked that anyone wanting to honor him do so by donating to Pankind - Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act, two organizations close to his heart.
he was truly one of a kind! His music still gives me chills to this day, and I'm not alone... so many fans around the world are feeling this loss too. But let's keep it positive - his legacy lives on through the countless artists he inspired & the songs that continue to rock our souls 
he was like the heartbeat of Midnight Oil 
my dad used to play their albums all day in the car and I thought they were so annoying back then lol but now i see how influential they are and how much impact Rob's music had on people 
those " Beds Are Burning" lyrics still give me chills and its crazy that he was fighting cancer for 3 years 
his legacy is so inspiring, especially considering all the charity work he did 
Just heard about Rob Hirst's passing 
...man what a talent & legacy! I mean, "Power And The Passion" still gives me chills every time 
Still can't believe those Aussie rock anthems like "Beds Are Burning" are gone 
Anyway, what's even more heartbreaking is how he used his platform to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and social justice issues 
It's so inspiring to see how music has the power to bring people together for a cause 
I mean, have you seen him play live? The man had energy for days! His solo in "Power And The Passion" is still giving me chills 
And let's be real, his songs with Midnight Oil are basically anthems 
"Beds Are Burning" still gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. He was more than just a musician - he was a true activist and advocate for social justice 
rob hirst was such an iconic dude i mean he was the heartbeat of midnight oil and his drumming was always so infectious u gotta feel for the band members right now its like losing a brother theyre all paying tribute in their own way but its just not gonna be the same without him
. I mean, it's not rocket science, but there's something therapeutic about kneading the dough and watching it come together. My sister always says I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to cooking, but hey, someone's gotta keep the family fed and happy 
. Anyway, back to Rob Hirst... what a legend, right? His music still gives me chills to this day 
but his legacy lives on through the music he created 
can't believe we've lost such an iconic drummer and songwriter 
donating to Pankind and Support Act is a great way to keep his memory alive 
. His legacy lives on through his music & charity work