Rob Hirst, the drummer for Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has just passed away at the age of 70. According to a post on the band's social media, Hirst died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
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Rob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, just 6 months after the band finished up its farewell tour in 2022. At the time, he was told he would have only that same amount of time to live. Little did Hirst know that his fight with cancer would continue for another 3 years.
While speaking with AAP in November, he expressed pride in having made it so far. "I feel very fortunate that I've got to this point," he shared. "And who knows, I might have a bit longer, which will be a bonus."
In late 2025, he also mentioned that he'd undergone several types of treatment in his battle with cancer. Some of these included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical operations.
Hirst Was a Drummer, Amongst Other Things
Midnight Oil started as a rock covers band at the beginning of their career, oftentimes inspired by groups like Led Zeppelin and Focus. Then, in 1973, the group recruited Peter Garrett as their lead singer, and in 1976, the band chose their iconic name, according to the Guardian.
Although Hirst is well known for his time with Midnight Oil, his passions extended outside of that as well. He was also a part of other groups like Ghostwriters, Backsliders, the Angry Tradesmen, and The Break.
Hirst was also a published writer and released the book "Willie's Bar & Grill" in 2003, in which he spoke on the 9/11 attacks. He had a passion for mentoring youth as well, and spent a lot of time collaborating with his daughter, Jay O'Shea, says the Music. They even released an album, titled The Lost and the Found, together.
Hirst leaves a legacy behind as a father and storyteller, but to his bandmates, he was a musician and friend. On social media, they wrote of his passing, saying, "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 & Pete."
