Rob Hirst was a founding member of the Australian rock band Midnight Oil and passed away at age 70 after nearly three years of battling pancreatic cancer.
At a Glance
- Rob Hirst, drummer and co-writer for Midnight Oil, dies at 70.
- He had fought pancreatic cancer for almost three years.
- The band released his final solo EP, A Hundred Years or More, in November.
- Why it matters: Hirst’s death marks the loss of a key figure in one-of-Australia’s most influential rock groups.
Rob Hirst began his musical journey in Sydney in 1972, joining what would become Midnight Oil. The group’s self-titled debut came out in 1978, and over the next decade they earned 11 ARIA Awards and were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Hirst’s tight, driving drumming and songwriting helped craft anthems such as “Beds Are Burning” and “The Dead Heart.”
After a hiatus in 2002, the band reunited in 2016, released two albums, and finished with Resist in 2022 before embarking on a farewell tour.
The Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
In early 2021, Hirst was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought the disease for nearly three years, a struggle the band described as “heroic.” In a Facebook post, Midnight Oil said, “After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain.” The band’s Instagram caption on Jan. 20 read, “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob.”
The band added that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and urged supporters to donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, or Support Act. The statement also called his passing “a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness.”
Legacy and Final Projects
Hirst’s creative output extended beyond Midnight Oil. He began releasing solo music in 2005 and, last November, dropped his final solo EP, A Hundred Years or More. In 2020, he collaborated with his daughter, Jay O’Shea, on a joint album that celebrated their newfound relationship.
Jay O’Shea explained their connection in a long Instagram post: “I was adopted as a baby and ten years ago found my birth parents. The story of how we all came together sounds like bad fiction writing as it’s quite unbelievable.” She added that the music was a way to get to know each other better, describing the process as “no parameters, no guidelines, just songs that are snapshots.”
Following the announcement of his death, Jay O’Shea posted a tribute: “There are no words right now to describe the feeling of losing this great friend and Father. We are all just…. heartbroken. Love you so much Dad, J💙.”
Career Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Hirst joins Midnight Oil in Sydney |
| 1978 | Debut album released |
| 2002 | Band goes on hiatus |
| 2016 | Reunion and new releases |
| 2020 | Collaboration with daughter Jay O’Shea |
| 2022 | Final album Resist and farewell tour |
| 2024 | Hirst passes away on Jan. 20 |
The band’s tribute on Instagram and Facebook highlighted the deep bond among members, with Jim, Martin, and Pete expressing that “there will always be songs.”
Final Wishes and Support
The band’s statement requested that anyone wishing to honor Hirst’s memory donate to pancreatic cancer charities. They emphasized that his legacy lives on through the music he created and the lives he touched.
Rob Hirst’s passing is a significant moment for fans of Midnight Oil and for the broader music community. His contributions to politically charged rock and his dedication to fighting a relentless disease will be remembered for years to come.
