Rob Hirst’s death has left Midnight Oil listeners looking back at more than a long career behind the drums. The founding drummer and songwriter helped build a sound that was forceful, political, and instantly recognizable, and his work remains tied to some of the band’s most enduring songs.
Hirst’s death was confirmed on January 20, 2026. He was 70. According to the band, he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
For many fans, Hirst was not simply the musician keeping time at the back of the stage. His drumming gave Midnight Oil much of its drive, helping turn the band’s songs into urgent, high-energy statements that carried well beyond Australian rock audiences.
The Sound He Helped Build
Hirst was a founding force in Midnight Oil’s story. He and guitarist Jim Moginie began making music together at school in 1972, and the group eventually developed into the band that became known around the world. Hirst remained part of Midnight Oil from 1975 through 2026.