Rob Hirst, a co-founder, drummer, and songwriter for the Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has died at the age of 70. His death followed a nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2023. Statements released by Midnight Oil described his passing as peaceful, surrounded by loved ones.
Death and Health Journey
Hirst's death was announced via a statement on Midnight Oil's social media platforms. The band indicated he "died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones" and later added that "After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain."
He was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023, shortly after Midnight Oil concluded its touring in October 2022. During his illness, Hirst underwent various treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and experienced sepsis earlier in the year. In 2025, Hirst discussed his support for voluntary assisted dying, for which he was eligible in New South Wales, stating that individuals should not endure prolonged pain at the end of life. Despite his illness, Hirst continued to engage with music, playing with his blues band, Backsliders, utilizing a modified drumming style with brushes and incorporating acoustic guitar and vocals as his voice changed.
Career and Contributions
Born in New South Wales in 1955, Hirst received his first drum kit at the age of 12. He co-founded an early band with school friend Jim Moginie in 1972, which evolved into Midnight Oil in 1976 with the addition of Peter Garrett on vocals and Martin Rotsey on guitar.
Throughout his career with Midnight Oil, Hirst was known for his drumming and co-wrote lyrics and melodies for many of the band's notable songs, including "Beds Are Burning," "Blue Sky Mine," "Read About It," "The Dead Heart," and "The Power and the Passion." Bandmate Jim Moginie described Hirst as Midnight Oil's "engine room, onstage and off." The band released 13 studio albums over nearly five decades, with Hirst remaining a member until their hiatus in 2002 and during their resumption in 2017.
Beyond Midnight Oil, Hirst was involved in several other bands, including Ghostwriters, Backsliders, the Angry Tradesmen, and the Break. His 1979 Ludwig drum kit was previously auctioned for charity.
Tributes and Personal Life
Midnight Oil bandmates expressed their sorrow in a statement acknowledging Hirst's role in the group. Australian musicians Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel also shared tributes.
Hirst is survived by his wife, Leslie Holland, and his three daughters, Alexandra, Gabriella, and Jay O’Shea, whom he reunited with in 2010. He had previously reflected on his life, stating he considered himself "incredibly fortunate" despite his illness. The family has requested that those wishing to honor Hirst make donations to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia, or Support Act.