Drummer’s Vintage Drum Kit Raises $77,500 for Charity
Midnight Oil drummer, Rob Hirst, recently wrapped up the auction of his iconic 1979 Ludwig “Touring and Recording” drum kit, with the winning bid closing at $77,500.
The auction, which ended on October 13 at 9 pm AEDT, drew attention from fans, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Hirst has decided to donate all proceeds from the auction, aside from courier fees, to Support Act and MusicNT’s Fix ‘Em Up Truck Campaign.
This sale is not only significant for its high monetary value but also for the positive impact it will have on the local music community.
The Black Oyster Pearl finished drum kit was purchased brand new in 1979 and made its debut on Midnight Oil’s second album, Head Injuries. It remained a central part of the band’s sound for over four decades, featuring in albums like 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 in 1982 and Diesel And Dust in 1987.
Hirst’s Ludwig drum kit served as the beating heart of Midnight Oil’s music, providing strong rhythms for songs like Beds Are Burning, The Power And The Passion, Blue Sky Mine, and King Of The Mountain. The band’s energetic performances and political messages were elevated by Hirst’s powerful drumming behind this kit.
The “Touring and Recording” model was specifically designed by Ludwig for professional musicians who required durability on the road and precision in the studio. Its construction and sound contributed to shaping Midnight Oil’s unique tight, rhythmic, and driving style of music.
When Midnight Oil concluded their farewell tour in 2022, the drum kit had become a symbol of Australian rock history. Its presence on stages from local pubs to global arenas transformed it into a living testament of the country’s musical legacy.
The $77,500 winning bid highlights the cultural and emotional value associated with this instrument. For fans, it symbolizes more than just the band’s music but also their activism and dedication to social causes. Support Act and MusicNT’s Fix ‘Em Up Truck Campaign will benefit from the auction proceeds, aiding musicians, crew, and industry professionals in need and promoting music education in First Nations communities.
Many fans hope that the drum kit will ultimately find a place in a public collection, such as the Australian Music Vault or Powerhouse Museum. Whether it ends up in an institution or with a private collector, it is universally recognized as a cornerstone of Australian music history.
As the drum kit story comes to a close, Rob Hirst continues to create music. Alongside Jim Moginie and Hamish Stuart, he will release a new four-track EP, A Hundred Years Or More, on November 14, 2025.
The EP follows the success of 2023’s Red Continent, which reached high positions on music charts. Recorded at Moginie’s Oceanic Studio and mixed by Warne Livesey, the EP features guest appearances by Rick Grossman and Hirst’s daughters, Lex Hirst and Gabriella Hirst.
A Hundred Years Or More will be available on signed CD through Songland Records.