Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst has died at the age of 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The announcement of his passing came on Tuesday, not even a year after Damien Hirst publicly shared his diagnosis.
The musician is survived by his wife Lesley Holland and his daughters, Gabriella, Lex and Jay.
Damien Hirst revealed his cancer diagnosis last April to help increase awareness of the disease. He had first been diagnosed three years prior.
Hirst explained to The Australian that he wanted to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, as it’s often an overlooked disease.
While diseases like skin and breast cancer haven’t seen a similar increase, this condition is becoming more and more common.
The Sydney-born star was receiving ongoing treatment at the time.
He explained that his treatment is still continuing, and he’s undergone extensive testing – including scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs. He’s tried everything available, but thankfully, he’s feeling well today.
Pancreatic cancer is especially dangerous because it grows quickly and is difficult to treat effectively.
This cancer has a very low survival rate; only around 10% of patients live for five years or more after being diagnosed.
Hirst explained that receiving his unexpected diagnosis helped him see things clearly, and he encouraged anyone feeling sick to get checked by a doctor.
He explained last April that he felt relieved to finally share something he’d been holding onto for almost two years.
If you experience any concerning symptoms, it’s best to get a basic blood test to check things out.
‘It could be life-changing and life-extending.’
The experienced drummer has played with Peter Garrett in the band Midnight Oil since 1972.
He helped write several of their biggest hits, like “Beds are Burning,” “Blue Sky Mine,” and “Power and the Passion,” which is well-known for its iconic drum solo.
Hirst has two daughters, Lex and Gabriella, from his marriage to his wife Lesley Holland.
In 2010, he discovered he had a secret love child – Australian country music star Jay O’Shea.
The pair forged a relationship with each other when Jay, 51, was an adult.
Jay was adopted as a baby and has always longed to find out who her biological parents were.
After a fifteen-year search, she finally met her father, Hirst, in 2010 at Bronte Beach, with the help of her birth mother.
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2026-01-20 09:48