Musician fighting cancer has undergone almost every available treatment
The renowned drummer of the iconic Australian rock band, Midnight Oil, recently shared his challenging journey of battling pancreatic cancer. Rob Hirst, who was a founding member of the band in the 1970s, disclosed that he has been grappling with the disease for the past two years in a recent interview with The Australian. Hirst candidly revealed that he has undergone an array of treatments, including numerous scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs, in an effort to combat the illness.
The tenacious musician disclosed that his cancer was detected early, at stage 3, prompting him to embark on months of chemotherapy prior to undergoing an extensive, albeit unsuccessful, eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor. Despite the setbacks, Hirst continues to receive both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in his ongoing battle against the disease. In light of his experience, Hirst emphasized the importance of closely monitoring one’s health and seeking medical attention promptly if any unusual symptoms arise, as early detection can significantly impact prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Data from Cancer Australia reveals that the survival rate for men with pancreatic cancer was a mere 12% between 2016 and 2020, underscoring the severity of the disease. Hirst’s resilience in the face of such daunting odds serves as a testament to his unwavering spirit and determination to overcome this formidable challenge.
Midnight Oil, the critically acclaimed band that Hirst co-founded, has been hailed for infusing pop music with a fresh sense of political and social urgency. Their seminal 1987 single, “Beds Are Burning,” which advocates for Indigenous land rights, catapulted them to international fame, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 in Australia. Over the years, Midnight Oil has delivered a series of chart-topping albums, including “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,” “Red Sails in the Sunset,” “Diesel and Dust,” and “Blue Sky Mining,” each resonating with audiences worldwide.
The band’s most recent albums, “The Makarrata Project” and “Resist,” have continued to garner accolades and acclaim, with the latter released just a week before the untimely passing of their longtime bassist, Bones Hillman, due to cancer. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Midnight Oil remains a musical powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and earning induction into the esteemed ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Hirst’s bravery and perseverance in navigating his cancer journey serve as an inspiration to fans and fellow musicians alike, underscoring the power of music to transcend adversity and unify people in moments of hardship. As he continues to fight against the ravages of cancer, Hirst’s legacy as a pioneering drummer and dedicated artist remains an enduring testament to his passion for music and unwavering commitment to his craft.