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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/rob-hirst-obituary?id=60587327

Rob Hirst Obituary
Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2026.
Robert George "Rob" Hirst, the pioneering Australian musician best known
as the co-founder and longtime drummer of the iconic rock band Midnight
Oil, died in January 2026, at the age of 70. He died after fighting
pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family.

Born September 3, 1955 in Camden, New South Wales, Hirst grew up with a passion for music that would define his life and career.

Hirst's death was confirmed on January 20, 2026 by his bandmates. They
shared a statement saying, "After fighting heroically for almost three
years, Rob is now free of pain rCo 'a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness.' He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones."

Rob Hirst's influence in rock music was profound and enduring. In 1972,
he co-founded the band that would become Midnight Oil alongside
guitarist Jim Moginie; frontman Peter Garrett joined soon after.
Midnight Oil ultimately released 13 studio albums, spanning the 1970s
through 2020s, and built a global reputation for its hard-driving sound
and socially conscious lyrics.

Hirst was not just a drummer but also an accomplished songwriter. He is credited on some of the band's biggest hits, including "Beds Are
Burning," "The Dead Heart," "Blue Sky Mine," and "The Power and the
Passion." His dynamic and powerful drumming helped define Midnight Oil's
sound and live energy.

Beyond Midnight Oil, Hirst also contributed his talents to other bands
and projects including Ghostwriters, Backsliders, the Angry Tradesmen,
and the Break.

In interviews during his illness, Hirst spoke openly about his
experience with cancer and was an advocate for awareness around
pancreatic cancer and dignified end-of-life options.

In lieu of flowers, Hirst's family and Midnight Oil have asked that
memorial donations be made to Pankind: Pancreatic Cancer Australia or
Support Act.

Hirst is survived by his wife, Lesley Holland, and their daughters
Alexandra and Gabriella, as well as his eldest daughter Jay O'Shea, with
whom he reunited in 2010 after many years apart.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)
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