Today, Australian band Midnight Oil took to their social media to announce the death of their drummer, Rob Hirst.
Photo: Martin Philbey/Wire Image/Getty
He was a co-founder of the band in the mid-1970s and its only drummer. He participated in the recording of all thirteen of their albums, including the most popular ones, “Diesel & Dust” (including the hit song “Beds Are Burning”) and “Blue Sky Mining.”
In 2023, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which was the cause of his death.
The band’s statement reads:
“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain – ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness’. 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.
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.“
Rob Hirst was 70 years old.
