Midnight Oil Drummer Robert "Rob" Hirst Passes Away at 70

The music world is mourning the loss of a legendary drummer and songwriter, Robert "Rob" Hirst, who co-founded and played drums for Australian rock band Midnight Oil. Hirst was just 70 years old when he passed away.

A Career Spanning Over Four Decades

Rob Hirst joined Midnight Oil in 1977, when the band was still in its early stages of formation. Alongside Peter Gifford, Garry Grossman, and Jim Moginie, Hirst would go on to create some of the most iconic music of his generation. Throughout his career with the band, Hirst co-wrote many of Midnight Oil's songs, including some of their biggest hits.

Midnight Oil: A Band of Social Activism

For fans of the band, Hirst was more than just a talented drummer – he was an integral part of Midnight Oil's unique sound and social activism. The band's music often tackled themes of politics, environmentalism, and social justice, which resonated deeply with the Australian public in the 1980s and beyond.

Some of Midnight Oil's Most Famous Songs

Rob Hirst played drums on many of Midnight Oil's most famous songs, including:

• "Beds Are Burning": A powerful song about the 1988 Easter Rising in Australia, which sparked widespread protests against the government.
• "Blue Sky Mine": A haunting ballad about a coal mining town and the struggles faced by its workers.
• "The Dead Heart of Gold": A protest song that criticized the Australian government's treatment of Indigenous Australians.

Influence on Other Artists

Rob Hirst's unique drumming style and his work with Midnight Oil have influenced many other artists. Bands like Men at Work, INXS, and even Australian rock legends, Cold Chisel, have cited Midnight Oil as an inspiration.

Legacy Lives On

Despite his passing, Rob Hirst's legacy lives on through the music of Midnight Oil. The band continues to tour and release new music, with Hirst's drums still ringing out in their songs. As a tribute to Hirst's memory, fans are coming together to share stories and memories of the drummer and songwriter who helped shape one of Australia's most iconic rock bands.

Timeline of Rob Hirst's Life

• February 1953: Robert "Rob" Hirst was born in Sydney, Australia.
• 1977: Hirst joined Midnight Oil as a drummer.
• 1980s-1990s: Hirst co-wrote many of Midnight Oil's songs and toured extensively with the band.
• 2013: Hirst announced that he would be taking a break from touring due to health issues.
• [Current Date]: Rob Hirst passed away at the age of 70.

In Conclusion

Rob Hirst was more than just a talented drummer – he was an integral part of Midnight Oil's unique sound and social activism. His legacy lives on through the music of the band, and fans around the world are still celebrating his life and work.