Rob Hirst, the dynamic drummer and co-founder of the rock band Midnight Oil, passed away on January 20, 2026. The 70-year-old musician succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a nearly three-year battle with the disease, as reported here.
The Australian band confirmed the news of Hirst’s demise via a statement posted on social media, adding that he died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
In 2023, Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in April 2025, detailing the extensive medical treatments he underwent since his diagnosis.
A separate message was released by the remaining members of Midnight Oil—Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey—expressing their sorrow. The family asked those wishing to pay tribute to Hirst to consider donating to pancreatic cancer research organizations.
In 1972, Hirst, along with Jim Moginie and Andrew James, formed the band Farm. Peter Garrett joined the band in 1975, which rebranded as Midnight Oil the following year. Martin Rotsey joined the group in 1977. The band, based in Sydney, Australia, gained recognition for its politically-charged rock music and socially-conscious lyrics, with Hirst’s dynamic drumming central to its rhythm.
Hirst not only maintained the beat but also co-wrote many of the band’s iconic songs. These include “Beds Are Burning,” “The Dead Heart,” “The Power and the Passion,” “Forgotten Years,” and “King of the Mountain.” His contributions extended beyond percussion to include lyrics, melodies, and backing vocals that became synonymous with Midnight Oil’s unique sound.
Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes paid tribute to Hirst, referring to him as “the engine” of “one of the greatest live bands of all time.”
Hirst, born in 1955 in Camden, New South Wales, received his first drum kit at age 12 after surgery for a benign tumor in his right leg. This early exposure to drumming set the stage for his nearly 50-year music career.
Throughout their career, Midnight Oil released 13 studio albums and achieved six ARIA No. 1 albums in Australia. The band’s commercial success mirrored their ability to combine high-energy rock music with messages about environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, and social justice, resonating with audiences worldwide.
The band took a break in 2002 when lead singer Peter Garrett left to pursue a political career. Midnight Oil resumed performances in 2017 before finally disbanding in 2022, marking the end of their influential run as one of Australia’s leading rock bands.
In November 2020, the band suffered another significant loss when bassist Bones Hillman passed away. Hirst’s death leaves Garrett, Moginie, and Rotsey as the three remaining members of the band’s most recognized lineup.
Outside Midnight Oil, Hirst performed with several other bands, including Ghostwriters, Backsliders, and The Break, which included his Midnight Oil bandmates Moginie and Rotsey, showcasing the enduring creative partnerships formed during his time with the group.
Hirst also collaborated with his musician daughter Jay O’Shea on a joint album, marking both a personal milestone and an artistic collaboration.
His solo work on songs like “The Power and the Passion” highlighted the technical prowess that made the band’s concerts memorable experiences for fans.
Through his public discussion about his diagnosis, Hirst helped raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and the importance of early detection.
Despite his illness, Hirst remained creatively active, continuing to produce music. His commitment to his craft remained steadfast throughout his battle with cancer.
Hirst leaves behind his wife, Leslie Holland, and his daughters, including musician Jay O’Shea. His legacy extends beyond his recorded work with Midnight Oil and other projects, influencing generations of Australian musicians who followed him.
The impact of Hirst’s work with Midnight Oil can be seen in both its commercial success and its cultural influence. Their music, acting as a soundtrack for social movements in Australia while achieving mainstream popularity, demonstrated the potential of rock music to both entertain and inspire.