Midnight OilThe Australian music community is mourning following the passing of Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, who died this week at age 70.
His bandmates confirmed the news on Tuesday (20 January), three years after the legendary drummer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain - ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness’,” the band said.
“He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honour Rob donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.”
As a co-founder of Midnight Oil, and member of The Ghostwriters, Backsliders, Hirst & Greene, The Angry Tradesmen and The Break, Hirst was a mainstay in Australian music who influenced generations of drummers and musicians.
Since news of his passing was announced yesterday, many Australian musicians, bands, and members of the music industry have shared tributes for Hirst.
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While Midnight Oil announced his passing yesterday, frontman Peter Garrett shared another statement on social media. “We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob,” he wrote. “For now, there are no words, but there will always be songs. Love Always from Jim, Martin & Pete.”
“Rob Hirst has had a massive impact on Australian culture,” Jimmy Barnes wrote on social media. “He was the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time. RIP, dear Rob. You are irreplaceable, one of a kind, and myself, my family, and all the rest of this great country will miss you so much.”
Rapper Tasman Keith, who appeared on Midnight Oil’s 2020 album The Marrakata Project, opened up about his relationship with Hirst.
“I had the incredible honour of writing, touring, and working alongside Rob Hirst on Midnight Oil’s Makarrata project,” Keith began.
“I remember our first meeting in the studio, hearing some of the record and figuring out where I could fit. Any hesitation I had about offering too much input disappeared the moment I felt the trust he showed in me as a young songwriter. His openness to creative collaboration with any artist, at any level, meant the world to me.”
Adding that watching Hirst perform each night resulted in a feeling of “awe,” Keith also discussed the pair’s conversations and admiring the way Hirst carried himself.
“Watching him each night on tour left me in awe of his dedication to the craft and his longevity as a musician. that water tank drum solo… incredible, every time. The conversations we shared, and the way he carried himself offstage, were a true testament to his character and his spirit.
“An honour to be in your presence, to have learnt from you & to have had a small glimpse into your world. Thank you for it all. Rest easy, Rob.”
Country singer Jay O’Shea, who discovered Hirst was her biological father in 2010, shared a photo of the pair and wrote on Instagram, “There are no words right now to describe the feeling of losing this great friend and Father. We are all just…. heartbroken. Love you so much, Dad, J.”
Hirst’s Backsliders bandmate Dom Turner added, “I'm deeply saddened and heartbroken at the passing of my musical brother, fellow Backslider and dear friend, Rob Hirst.
“Rob had incredible musicality, intelligence, boundless physical and creative energy, a fantastic sense of humour and a passion for life. I am honoured and blessed to have had over 25 years of adventures with Rob; touring, writing and recording music, and most importantly, being friends.
“Sending huge love to Rob’s wife Lesley, Lex, Ella and all the Hirst family.”
Aussie rockers Powderfinger described Hirst as “a beautiful man and friendly face from an awe-inspiring band, and an explosive drumming machine to boot,” and added: “This great Southern Land would never be the same. Crikey, Diesel and Dust and Blue Sky Mine saw to that as well. Rob and Midnight Oil changed the way we think and how we relate to this land and its first people.”
Regurgitator also cited his impact, calling Hirst “a true inspiration to us as a band in every way.”
You can read more tributes for Rob Hirst below.
