Midnight Oil’s beating heart, Rob Hirst, dead at 70 after pancreatic cancer battle

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But now, a vital and irreplaceable part of the band has passed away. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023, drummer Rob Hirst has now passed away. Midnight Oil shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo of the band, expressing their grief and gratitude for the music they created together.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 07: Singer Rob Hirst of Ghostrighters and also Midnight Oil performs on stage at the Australian leg of the Live Earth series of concerts, at Aussie Stadium, Moore Park on July 7, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Launched by former US Vice President Al Gore to combat Global Warming, the concert is one of a series taking place over a 24-hour period on July 7 across seven continents. (Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)

“We are shattered and grieving the loss of our brother Rob,” the band wrote.
“For now there are no words but there will always be songs. Love Always from Jim, Martin & Pete.”

In a separate statement posted to Facebook, the band revealed that Hirst had been living with cancer for nearly three years.

“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain,” the statement said.

It continued: “‘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, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.”

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