Rob Hirst, the founding drummer and rhythmic backbone of legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has died at the age of 70 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
The band confirmed Hirst’s passing in a heartbreaking social media statement shared Tuesday, Jan. 20, announcing the loss of one of Australia’s most influential rock musicians.
The Australian rock band Midnight Oil has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and rose to global fame with their 1987 breakthrough album Diesel and Dust. Long regarded as one of Australia’s most beloved bands, they helped define a generation of politically charged rock.
But now, a vital and irreplaceable part of the band has passed away. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023, drummer Rob Hirst has now passed away. Midnight Oil shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo of the band, expressing their grief and gratitude for the music they created together.