Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst dies at 70 after fighting pancreatic cancer

Rob Hirst, co‑founder and drummer of Midnight Oil, has died at 70 after nearly three years fighting pancreatic cancer; the band said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones and asked for donations to pancreatic cancer charities.

Rob Hirst, co-founder and drummer of Australian band Midnight Oil, has died at age 70. The band announced his death and said he had been fighting pancreatic cancer for almost three years. They stated he died peacefully and was surrounded by loved ones. Midnight Oil became internationally known after the 1987 album Diesel and Dust and the single "Beds Are Burning." Noted details: - The band announced Hirst's death and said he died at 70 after an almost three-year fight with pancreatic cancer and died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. - Bandmates Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey expressed their grief and the band included a request for donations to charities focused on pancreatic cancer research, support and awareness. - Hirst co-founded Midnight Oil in the 1970s, served as the group's drummer, shared songwriting credits, and played on internationally known songs such as "Beds Are Burning." Summary: Hirst's passing represents the loss of a central member of Midnight Oil and is being marked by public tributes from bandmates and other musicians. The band noted his illness and encouraged donations to related charities. Undetermined at this time.