Midnight Oil Drummer Rob Hirst Dies at 70 After Cancer Battle

The music world has learned extremely sad news as someone who left a mark on their peers and fans alike has died. News of the passing comes after the rock legend had been battling a horrible disease for several years.

Rob Hirst Has Died at 70 From Pancreatic Cancer

On January 20, 2026, the Instagram account for Midnight Oil's singer shared devastating news for the band's many dedicated fans. In the post that was attributed to Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey, they expressed their devastation from the death of Rob Hirst, who was 70 years old at the time of his passing. "We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob. For now, there are no words, but there will always be songs. Love Always from Jim, Martin & Pete."

On the same day, the Instagram account for Midnight Oil also posted about Hirst's passing. The caption revealed that the group's longtime drummer had battled cancer for a long time before his demise. The band also encouraged fans to make donations in Hirst's honor. "After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain - ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness’. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The family asks that anyone wanting to honour Rob donate to @pankind_australia or @supportact."

The New York Post published an article on Hirst's passing on January 21, 2026 that provided more information about his life and his death. According to the outlet, Hirst's almost three-year fight was to overcome pancreatic cancer specifically. The drummer is survived by his wife, Lesley Holland, and their daughters, Gabriella, Lex, and Jay. The Post also stated that Hirst was born on September 3, 1955, and he grew up in the Camden area of Sydney, Australia. After performing with other groups, Hirst co-founded Midnight Oil that with Moginie, 69, in 1972. They were joined by Garrett, 72, and Rotsey, 69, soon after.

Midnight Oil Built a Lasting and Unique Legacy

Midnight Oil stood out from its peers because of the band's efforts to use music to change the world for the better. Their embrace of musical activism allowed them to take on many important subjects, most notably the rights of Indigenous Australians.

In addition to shining the spotlight on causes they cared deeply about, the band also released a lot of music that fans loved. Some of the songs the band is best known for include "Beds Are Burning," "Blue Sky Mine," "Power and the Passion," "The Dead Heart," "Forgotten Years," "Truganini," "Warriors of the Wasteland," "Dreamworld."

Our thoughts are with Rob Hirst’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.