Hugh Jackman pays tribute to Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst following his death at 70

Hugh Jackman has paid tribute to Rob Hirst, the drummer of Australian rock band Midnight Oil, following his death at the age of 70.

The actor, who has previously spoken about his admiration for the band, shared his reaction in an Instagram Story, expressing sadness at the loss of the musician and reflecting on the influence Midnight Oil had on him while growing up.

Jackman described the group as one of his “favourite bands” and said their music remains part of his life.

“I’m so sad to hear the news that Rob Hirst has passed away,” Jackman wrote. “Midnight Oil was the first I ever went to growing up. One of my favourite bands that I still listen to all the time. I’m sending my love and thoughts to his close friends and family.”

Midnight Oil confirmed Hirst’s death in a post shared on Instagram. In the statement, the band said he died peacefully after a prolonged illness.

“After fighting heroically for almost three years, Rob is now free of pain – ‘a glimmer of tiny light in the wilderness’,” the post read. The family also asked those wishing to honour him to donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.

Fans responded in large numbers, sharing memories and messages in the comments. Several referenced Hirst’s legacy as a drummer and the impact of Midnight Oil’s music over several decades.

Fellow musicians also paid tribute. Paul Dempsey of Something for Kate described Hirst as “an absolute force” and said it was a privilege to share the stage with him, adding that it was always a pleasure to be in his company.

Hirst was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023 but kept the condition private until 2025, when he spoke about it publicly.

He later said he learned of the diagnosis six months after the band completed the Australian leg of their farewell tour in October 2023.

Since then, he had been receiving medical treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery. Rob Hirst was a founding member of Midnight Oil and is widely associated with the band’s distinctive sound and live performances.