Overview
- Midnight Oil announced Hirst died peacefully on Jan. 20 after nearly three years with pancreatic cancer, saying he was “now free of pain.”
- Diagnosed with stage‑three pancreatic cancer in 2023, Hirst later detailed multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and complications, and publicly disclosed his condition in 2025.
- A co‑founder credited on signature tracks including “Beds Are Burning,” “Blue Sky Mine” and “The Dead Heart,” Hirst was widely seen as the band’s rhythmic and songwriting engine.
- Tributes flowed from across Australia, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and artists such as Jimmy Barnes, INXS members and Hoodoo Gurus.
- The family asked that donations in his honour go to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act, reflecting causes he supported through recent releases and a $90,000 drum‑kit charity auction.