Australian rock music has been graced with many legends, but few bands have left as lasting a mark as Midnight Oil. Renowned for their electrifying performances and politically charged lyrics, they’ve been an essential part of the nation’s music scene since the 1970s.
Fans and fellow musicians are rallying around one of the band’s founding members, who has quietly been fighting a significant health battle over the past two years. The news comes as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility, even for those whose music has long seemed larger than life.
Rob Hirst, 69, Midnight Oil’s powerhouse drummer, has revealed his diagnosis with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Speaking to The Australian, Hirst admitted the news was ‘quite a shock’, and said he hopes sharing his story will help raise awareness for a disease too often overlooked.
Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its rapid progression and limited treatment options, making it one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The survival statistics are grim, with only about 10% of patients living five years or more post-diagnosis. Hirst’s decision to speak out is a brave and selfless act, aimed at encouraging others to seek medical advice and testing if they suspect something might be wrong.
Despite the severity of his condition, Hirst remains resilient and optimistic. He has undergone a gamut of treatments and scans, yet he continues to face each day with a positive spirit, saying, ‘Today I’m feeling really good.’ His journey is a testament to the strength and determination that have characterised his musical career.
Rob Hirst has been a vital part of Midnight Oil since its inception in 1972, alongside charismatic frontman Peter Garrett. Together, they’ve created anthems that resonate with fans across the globe, including ‘Beds are Burning’, ‘Blue Sky Mine’, and ‘Power and the Passion’, which features Hirst’s unforgettable drum solo. His contributions to music are immeasurable, and his influence extends beyond the stage to his two daughters, Lex and Gabriella, whom he shares with his wife, Lesley Holland.
The news of Hirst’s diagnosis comes on the heels of another interesting revelation about Midnight Oil’s history. Peter Garrett recently shared on The Project that the band, known for its distinctive name, could have been called something entirely different. Names like ‘Schwampy Moose’, ‘Sparta’, and ‘Television’ were in the running before ‘Midnight Oil’ was drawn from a hat in 1976, a name inspired by the Jimi Hendrix song ‘Burning of the Midnight Lamp’.
From their early days as ‘Farm’ to their global success, Midnight Oil’s journey is now being chronicled in a new documentary titled The Hardest Line, which premiered at the Sydney Film Festival. The film, directed by Australian filmmaker Paul Clarke, delves into the band’s remarkable career and the powerful messages they’ve conveyed through their music.
As Rob Hirst continues his journey through this difficult time, his decision to share his story brings much-needed awareness to pancreatic cancer. His bravery in the face of such a challenging diagnosis is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life.
Do you think sharing such personal struggles helps others facing similar challenges? How important is it to raise awareness about less-talked-about cancers like pancreatic cancer? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Edwina Bartholomew’s cancer journey and the life re-think it sparked
