Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst Passes Away After Three-Year Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
In a heartbreaking announcement, Midnight Oil’s drummer Rob Hirst passed away at the age of 70 after a courageous three-year fight against advanced pancreatic cancer. The news has sent shockwaves through the music community, with fans and fellow musicians paying tribute to the legendary drummer.
Tributes Pour In for Rob Hirst
The band Midnight Oil, along with Peter Garrett, the band’s frontman, expressed their devastation in a statement posted on the band’s Facebook page. The post described Hirst’s death as a peaceful one, 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’,” said Garrett in a statement. “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now there are no words, but there will always be songs.”
Fellow rock royalty, including Jimmy Barnes and Dom Turner, have also paid their respects. Jimmy Barnes, on social media, called Hirst “irreplaceable” and said, “Rob Hirst has had a massive impact on Australian culture. He was the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time.”
Dom Turner, with whom Hirst played in The Backsliders, described Hirst as a “musical brother” with “boundless physical and creative energy, a fantastic sense of humour and a passion for life.”
A Legacy of Music and Activism
Rob Hirst was one of the founding members of Midnight Oil, a band that rose to fame in the 1970s. Known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic live performances, Midnight Oil became global stars with hits like “Power and the Passion,” “Beds Are Burning,” and “Blue Sky Mine.” Hirst co-wrote many of these songs, contributing to the band’s reputation as socially conscious musicians.
Hirst’s diagnosis with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023 came six months after the band’s last ever gig at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. Despite his diagnosis, Hirst continued to inspire with his resilience and positive outlook.
Continuing to Inspire
In an interview in November, Hirst spoke about selling his beloved drum kit for $90,000, which was then donated to the Australian Music Vault in Melbourne. Fans, known as the “Powderworkers,” rallied together to ensure the iconic drum kit was preserved for future generations.
“I can’t really thrash the drums any more,” Hirst said at the time, but he remained optimistic. “I’m hanging in there,” he added, noting the beauty of the Australian landscape.
A Final Musical Tribute
Even as his health declined, Hirst continued to create music. He recently released the EP A Hundred Years or More, featuring songs that reflect on life and time. The EP, recorded with guitarist Jim Moginie, showcases Hirst’s talent as an acoustic guitarist and songwriter.
“I realise it’s quite an existentialist bunch of songs, with titles like ‘Are We There Yet?’ and ‘A Hundred Years or More,’” Hirst said. “I suppose I’ve been thinking about life’s big questions.”
The Reality of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, with a low survival rate. Hirst’s three-year battle is considered remarkable, as the disease often progresses rapidly and is difficult to treat once it reaches advanced stages.
The news of Hirst’s passing has brought attention to the need for more research and awareness about pancreatic cancer. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire through his music and the impact he had on the lives of millions.
Remembering Rob Hirst
Rob Hirst’s death marks the end of an era for Midnight Oil and the music world. His contributions to music, activism, and culture will not be forgotten. As the band and fans mourn his loss, they also celebrate the life of a man who lived with passion, creativity, and resilience.
“There are no words, but there will always be songs,” Garrett’s statement echoes the sentiment of many who loved Hirst’s music. His legacy will live on through the timeless songs of Midnight Oil and the memories he leaves behind.
