Rob Hirst
Rob Hirst | |
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Hirst performing with Backsliders in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Robert George Hirst 3 September 1955 Camden, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 20 January 2026 (aged 70) New South Wales, Australia |
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| Years active | 1971–2026 |
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| Website | robhirst |
Robert George Hirst (3 September 1955 – 20 January 2026) was an Australian musician from Camden, New South Wales. He was a founding member of the rock band Midnight Oil on drums, percussion and backing vocals (sometimes lead vocals) from the 1970s until the band took a hiatus in 2002. The band resumed performing and recording in 2017.
Hirst was also a member of the bands Ghostwriters, Backsliders, the Angry Tradesmen and the Break. He also wrote a book, Willie's Bar & Grill, recounting the experiences on the tour Midnight Oil embarked on shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
In the 2026 Australia Day Honours, Hirst was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) "for significant service to the performing arts through music".