Rob Hirst: Midnight Oil Drummer and Co-Writer of Beds Are Burning Dies a

Rob Hirst was an Australian drummer, songwriter and producer best known as the founding drummer of Midnight Oil and a co-writer of the global hit "Beds Are Burning." Born on September 3, 1955, in Camden, New South Wales, Hirst helped shape one of the most politically committed and powerful live rock bands in the world.

As a founding member of Midnight Oil, Hirst drove the band from the pubs of Sydney to international stardom. He co-wrote "Beds Are Burning" with Peter Garrett and James Moginie, which won the APRA Gold Award, and the band received the APRA Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music in 2018. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2026 for his service to the performing arts.

Hirst was married to Leslie Holland and had three daughters. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023 and died on January 20, 2026, in New South Wales at age 70. Remembered as a thunderous drummer and a passionate voice for causes he believed in, he leaves a catalog of songs that still shake stadiums.

Achievements: Founding drummer of Midnight Oil, co-wrote "Beds Are Burning" and won the APRA Gold Award, shared the APRA Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music (2018), appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (2026).

Birth: September 3, 1955 - Camden, New South Wales, Australia.

Profession: Drummer, songwriter and producer.

Interesting Facts: Before Midnight Oil, Hirst played Beatles covers in a band called Schwampy Moose with Jim Moginie and Andrew "Bear" James. He also attended primary school with future cricket captain Allan Border.