Introduction

Rob Hirst, the powerhouse drummer and founding member of Midnight Oil, has died at the age of 70. Revered as the rhythmic engine behind one of Australia’s most influential rock bands, Hirst was far more than a drummer. He was a songwriter, activist, showman, and creative force whose energy defined Midnight Oil’s sound and spirit for nearly five decades.

His death has deeply affected fans around the world, not only because of his musical legacy, but because of the courage and grace he showed in confronting his illness. Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023 and passed away peacefully in January 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

As tributes continue to pour in, Rob Hirst is being remembered as a force of nature who lived fully, created fearlessly, and faced death with honesty and dignity.

Who He Was

Rob Hirst was an Australian musician, songwriter, and activist best known as the drummer and founding member of Midnight Oil. His ferocious drumming style and sharp musical instincts shaped the band’s identity, making their sound instantly recognizable.

He co-wrote many of the group’s most iconic songs, including:

• Beds Are Burning

• The Dead Heart

• Short Memory

• The Power and the Passion

• Forgotten Years

• King of the Mountain

Hirst was widely respected not only for his musicianship, but also for his intelligence, humor, and political awareness.

His Connection to the Celebrity

Rob Hirst himself was the celebrity. As a founding member of Midnight Oil, he helped build one of Australia’s most politically conscious and globally successful rock bands. Alongside Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, Martin Rotsey, and others, he created music that combined fierce energy with social activism.

Why He Is Relevant Now (Trend Touch)

Rob Hirst is trending following the announcement of his death in January 2026. Midnight Oil confirmed the news on social media, writing:

“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain… He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.”

The band encouraged fans to honor his memory by donating to PanKind (Pancreatic Cancer Australia) and Support Act, reinforcing Hirst’s lifelong commitment to social responsibility.

Early Life & Childhood

Rob Hirst was born in New South Wales, Australia, in 1955. His journey into music began under unusual circumstances. At the age of 12, a benign tumor was discovered in his right leg, requiring surgery. During his recovery, he was given his first drum kit, a gift that would change his life.

That moment sparked a lifelong devotion to rhythm, sound, and performance.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

While Rob Hirst kept much of his family background private, he often spoke about how supportive his upbringing was. Details about his parents and siblings remain limited in public records, reflecting his desire to protect their privacy.

What is clear is that his family played a significant role in nurturing his creativity and resilience.

Education

Hirst attended school in New South Wales, where he met Jim Moginie, who would later become his bandmate and lifelong collaborator. Their friendship laid the foundation for Midnight Oil.

Career or Profession

In 1972, Hirst and Moginie formed a band initially called Schwampy Moose, later renamed Farm. In 1975, Rob placed an ad in the Sydney Morning Herald looking for a singer. That ad was answered by Peter Garrett.

With Garrett, Moginie, Andrew James (bass), Martin Rotsey (guitar), and manager Gary Morris, the group became Midnight Oil in 1976. Andrew James was later replaced by Peter Gifford and later by Bones Hillman.

Midnight Oil released 13 studio albums between 1978 and 2022, becoming internationally known for their activism and raw, urgent sound.

Outside Midnight Oil, Hirst was involved in:

• Ghostwriters (with Andrew Dickson and Rick Grossman)

• Backsliders (with Dom Turner)

• The Angry Tradesmen

• The Break (with Moginie, Rotsey, Brian Ritchie, and Jack Howard)

Each project showed a different side of his musical curiosity.

Connection to the Celebrity

Recently, Rob Hirst made headlines when Midnight Oil announced his death after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. In 2025, he openly supported voluntary assisted dying, saying:

“Why should you have to die in terrible, drawn-out pain?”

His honesty gave voice to many facing terminal illness and highlighted his lifelong bravery.

Personal Life / Relationships

Rob Hirst is survived by:

• His wife, Leslie Holland

• Their daughters, Alexandra Hirst and Gabriella Hirst (an artist)

• His eldest daughter, Jay O’Shea, a singer

Jay was born when Rob was 17 and was given up for adoption. They reunited in 2010 and later collaborated musically, forming one of the most touching chapters of his life.

He once said of his life:

“It’s been absolutely better than anything anyone could ever ask for.”

Net Worth

Rob Hirst’s exact net worth was never publicly disclosed. However, his decades-long career with Midnight Oil and multiple side projects suggest substantial earnings through album sales, tours, publishing royalties, and licensing.

Interesting Facts

• He was given his first drum kit while recovering from surgery at age 12.

• He co-wrote Midnight Oil’s biggest global hits.

• He supported voluntary assisted dying laws in Australia.

• He reunited with his daughter Jay O’Shea after 40 years apart.

• His bandmates called him Midnight Oil’s “engine room.”

 

Recent News or Updates

Rob Hirst died in January 2026 at age 70 after battling stage three pancreatic cancer, diagnosed in 2023. Midnight Oil confirmed he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

The band described his fight as “heroic” and urged donations to:

• PanKind (Pancreatic Cancer Australia)

• Support Act

 

Conclusion

Rob Hirst was not just a drummer. He was the pulse of Midnight Oil, a fearless artist, and a man who lived with honesty until the very end. His music, activism, and humanity shaped generations of listeners.

Though he has left this world, his rhythm remains—beating through every song, every protest lyric, and every heart he moved.

FAQs

What was Rob Hirst’s cause of death?
Rob Hirst died from complications related to stage three pancreatic cancer, diagnosed in 2023.

How old was Rob Hirst when he died?
He was 70 years old.

Who is Rob Hirst’s wife?
His wife is Leslie Holland.

How many children did Rob Hirst have?
He had three daughters: Alexandra Hirst, Gabriella Hirst, and Jay O’Shea.

What bands was Rob Hirst involved in besides Midnight Oil?
Ghostwriters, Backsliders, The Angry Tradesmen, and The Break.