Overview
- Midnight Oil confirmed Hirst's death in a social media statement, noting he was surrounded by loved ones.
- Diagnosed with stage-three pancreatic cancer in 2023, he spoke openly about undergoing major operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- A core creative force since the 1970s, he co-wrote defining tracks such as "Beds Are Burning," "Blue Sky Mine" and "The Dead Heart."
- He remained musically active, releasing the album Born Electric in October 2025 and the EP A Hundred Years or More with Jim Moginie and Hamish Stuart soon after.
- He auctioned his longtime Ludwig drum kit for $90,000 in 2025, with a fan donating the kit to the Australian Music Vault and proceeds supporting charities, as tributes later poured in from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Jimmy Barnes and other artists.