Sad news to pass down.
Rob Hirst, the drummer and co-founder of the Australian band Midnight Oil, has died at 70. He had fought cancer for three years.
The first time that I remember hearing of Midnight Oil was in the 1980's. They had a hit, "Beds Are Burning," which I absolutely loved. There was something about it which, at the time, sounded wicked, almost evil. Foolishly, that was what I thought back then.
Later, after I had matured with the years, I heard what the song was actually about. Far from evil, the message hut differently. It was a song coming to terms with past societal wrongs. Granted, it was an Australian band, and so the lyrics are perhaps about Australian issues, particularly. Yet, it felt (and still feels) to me that it has a universal feel and appeal.
Then somewhere in the late 1990's or early 2000's, I found some Midnight Oil albums for a very decent price, and went ahead. That was when I gained a whole new appreciation for this band. I still love their music, and it still holds up well.
In fact, "Beds Are Burning" is one of the few songs which I must have heard hundreds of times in my life, yet never remember ever having gotten tired of yet.
They are a great band with an inspiring message. And Rob Hirst was a great drummer. He will be missed.
Rest in peace, Rob Hirst.
Music industry rocked by the death of Rob Hirst, the powerful engine behind Midnight Oil Revered Midnight Oil co-founder and legendary drummer Rob Hirst has died after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving a towering legacy. Kathy McCabe Kathy McCabe @McCabeRadar 3 min read January 20, 2026 -
https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-deaths/music-industry-rocked-by-the-death-of-rob-hirst-the-powerful-engine-behind-midnight-oil/news-story/2d36147f5758be0cc94b0c6082aed5e1
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