Conversations Remembering Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst
Jan 26, 2026
Rob Hirst, drummer and founding member of Midnight Oil, reflects on music, family and life in the bush. He talks about daily bush walks and a fascination with powerful owls. He remembers early musical influences, marching band roots and the physical craft of drumming. He also shares candid stories of teenage parenthood, reconnecting with his daughter and the healing power of long walks.
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From Barstools To Military Drumming
- Rob learned drumming initially by playing on bar stools and joining his primary school's marching band to learn military drumming.
- He developed a physical drumming style and muscle memory that served him through decades of touring.
Sibling Conflict Over Music
- Rob describes musical tension at home: his brother Stephen practised Liszt and Rachmaninoff while Rob played rock records, leading to clashes.
- That conflict culminated in Stephen smashing Rob's Sticky Fingers album, then a violent fight that later led to mutual respect.
Hospital Stay, Recovery And A Musical Discovery
- As a teenager Rob was treated for a benign bone cancer in his right femur and spent three months in hospital, fearing he might lose his leg.
- During recovery he discovered the Beatles'
