Tributes are pouring in for Rob Hirst, the revered co-founder, co-songwriter, and drummer of Midnight Oil, who passed away on Wednesday, January 20, at the age of 70. Hirst’s death followed a courageous, years-long battle with cancer. Midnight Oil’s social media statement noted that he died peacefully, now “free of pain” and surrounded by loved ones.

Hirst was celebrated not just as the band’s drummer but as its power station, known for his explosive solos and commanding stage presence. His performance on the 1982 track “Power And the Passion” remains one of the most iconic drum pieces in Australian rock. Bandmates Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey paid tribute, saying: “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words but there will always be songs.”

Midnight Oil’s Legacy and Impact

Born in Camden, Sydney, Hirst co-founded the band in the early 1970s under the name Farm, later solidifying as Midnight Oil in 1976 after recruiting Peter Garrett. The band gained international recognition for music that tackled corporate greed, civil rights,and Indigenous land rights, with hits like “Beds Are Burning” becoming a global benchmark.

Midnight Oil enjoyed commercial success, with Diesel and Dust reaching No. 21 and Blue Sky Mining hitting No. 20 on the Billboard 200. The band earned six ARIA No. 1 albums and 11 ARIA Awards, with their final studio album, Resist, released in 2022. Hirst also participated in reunions, including the band’s ARIA Hall of Fame induction in 2006 and receiving the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music in 2018.

A Prolific Career Beyond Midnight Oil

Beyond Midnight Oil, Hirst’s musical influence spanned multiple collaborations, including The Ghostwriters, Backsliders, Hirst & Greene, Rob Hirst + Sean Sennett, The Angry Tradesmen, and The Break. In 2020, he released an album with his daughter, Jay O’Shea, and in November 2025, he unveiled the deeply personal EP “A Hundred Years or More.”

The music community has widely celebrated Hirst’s legacy. Cold Chisel called him “an incredible drummer and songwriter — and a good friend to all of us”, while ARIA acknowledged his dedication to integrity, activism, and collaboration. Ian Haug of Powderfinger described him as “an absolute beast of a drummer…songwriter…and character.”

Hirst’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Pankind — Pancreatic Cancer Australia or the music charity Support Act, honoring a life dedicated to music, activism, and mentorship. His passing follows the death of Midnight Oil bassist Bones Hillman in 2020, also lost to cancer.