Founding member of iconic rock band diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, report reveals
Rob Hirst, a founding member and longtime drummer of the celebrated Australian rock band Midnight Oil, disclosed in a recent report that he is currently battling pancreatic cancer. Speaking candidly during an interview with The Australian, the 69-year-old musician shared that he has been contending with the disease for the past two years. Hirst, instrumental in the formation of Midnight Oil in the 1970s, opened up about his health struggles and the relentless fight for his life, revealing that his official diagnosis came approximately six months after the band wrapped up the Australian leg of its farewell tour in October 2023. Subsequently, he has been undergoing a series of medical treatments.
The drummer explained the long road he has been on since his diagnosis, stating, “So it’s ongoing. I’ve had pretty much every treatment known to man – every scan, ultrasound, MRI. I’ve kind of had ‘the works.'” Hirst mentioned that his cancer was detected relatively early and was classified as stage three. He underwent surgery to excise the tumor, followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Midnight Oil has established itself as an iconic figure in Australian rock history, renowned for their dynamic live shows and an illustrious career spanning over three decades. The band’s roots can be traced back to 1970 in Turramurra, a suburb located on Sydney’s northern side, where young musicians Jim Moginie (guitar/keyboard) and Andrew ‘Bear’ James (bass) first united to make music. Hirst (drums/vocals) joined the pair a year later, and together they formed a Beatles cover band named Schwampy Moose.
Affectionately known as “The Oils” by their devoted fan base, the band has released 14 studio albums and two EPs, all recognized for their exceptional musicality and poignant messages. By 1976, the group underwent a transformation and rebranded themselves as Farm. Recognizing the need for a frontman, Hirst placed an ad in the “Sydney Morning Herald,” leading to the recruitment of Peter Garrett as the lead vocalist. In the same year, they encountered their future manager Gary Morris, a significant figure within their team. Guitarist Martin Rotsey completed the classic lineup in 1976.
The moniker “Midnight Oil” was casually selected from a hat, signifying the commencement of a new chapter for the band. Their eponymous debut album, “Midnight Oil,” was released in 1978, known among fans as the “Blue Meanie” due to its dark blue cover. Recorded in just ten days during post-show sessions, the album achieved gold status in Australia. The single “Run By Night” from this album garnered considerable airplay on radio station 2JJ, fostering a longstanding relationship between the band and the station.