Midnight Oil Drummer Rob Hirst Dies at 70 After Pancreatic Cancer Battle
Rob Hirst, the celebrated co-founder and drummer of Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has passed away at the age of 70 following a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed by the band through their official social media channels on Monday, January 20, 2026.
A Peaceful Passing After Heroic Fight
According to statements from his bandmates, Hirst died peacefully while 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'," the band posted on their social media accounts. The family has requested that anyone wishing to honor Hirst's memory make donations to pancreatic cancer research organizations @pankind_australia or musician support charity @supportact.
Hirst is survived by his wife, Lesley Holland, and their daughters Gabriella and Lex, as well as his other daughter, country singer Jay O'Shea.
Diagnosis and Musical Legacy
The drummer was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in April 2023, just six months after Midnight Oil performed what would be their final concert at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion in October 2022. Hirst co-founded the band, originally named Farm, with keyboardist Jim Moginie in 1972. The duo was soon joined by frontman Peter Garrett and guitarist Martin Rotsey, forming the core lineup that would define the band's sound for the next five decades.
In a heartfelt follow-up tribute posted on Tuesday, Hirst's bandmates expressed their profound grief: "We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now, there are no words, but there will always be songs. Love always from Jim, Martin (and) Pete."
Early Beginnings and Musical Journey
Hirst's musical journey began at age 12 when he received his first drum kit as a gift following a leg operation. Midnight Oil released their self-titled debut album in November 1978, and between 1979 and 2001, Hirst contributed to ten more studio albums with the band. Among their most successful releases was 1987's platinum-selling Diesel and Dust, which helped cement their international reputation.
After the band went on hiatus in 2002 when Garrett pursued a political career, Hirst reunited with Midnight Oil in 2017. Together they released two final albums: 2020's The Makarrata Project and 2022's Resist.
Signature Style and Environmental Passion
Known for his powerful, energetic drumming style, Hirst became famous for his enthusiastic performances, particularly his use of a steel water tank that he would joyfully strike during live renditions of "Power and the Passion." Beyond his musical contributions, Hirst was a dedicated environmental activist who championed ocean conservation and loved swimming daily at the dog beach near his Manly home.
"I tell you what, swimming in salt water is just not to be underestimated. It's the best tonic," Hirst was quoted as saying in November, highlighting his deep connection to the natural world that often inspired Midnight Oil's socially conscious lyrics.
Vocal Contributions and Final Projects
Although he was modest about his singing voice, Hirst provided harmony vocals on many Midnight Oil tracks and took lead vocals on classics including "Kosciuszko." His final musical project was an EP titled A Hundred Years of More, released in November with Moginie and drummer Hamish Stuart. Hirst also performed with other musical groups including Ghostwriters and Backsliders throughout his career.
Reflecting on his musical journey during a recent celebration, Hirst expressed gratitude for the era in which his career flourished: "We're all around talking about how lucky we were that all our bands landed in the late 70s, early 80s, when people were tribally loyal to the bands they loved... God, how lucky were we? So we might be legends, but we've been very lucky legends."
The music world mourns the loss of a talented drummer, passionate activist, and beloved band member whose contributions to Australian rock music will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
