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The band’s final message to their fans was one of bittersweet resilience. They noted that while the physical presence of their brother was gone, the “Oil” would never truly stop flowing as long as the songs were played. His daughter expressed a heartbreaking gratitude for the years they spent making up for lost time through the language of music, a gift that survives the silence of his passing. The legacy of Rob Hirst is etched into the grooves of every record he touched—a legacy of precision, passion, and an unwavering belief that rock and roll could, and should, mean something.
As Australia and the world say goodbye to one of the most significant drummers in rock history, the songs he helped create continue to echo across airwaves and stages. His life was a masterclass in the power of the beat—not just the beat of a drum, but the beat of a heart devoted to truth. Rob Hirst proved that a musician could be both a fierce performer and a thoughtful poet, and that the most powerful music is often that which beats in time with the struggle for a better world. While the final tour has ended and the stage lights have dimmed, the rhythmic foundation he built remains unshakable, ensuring that the message of Midnight Oil will continue to challenge and inspire for generations to come. In the end, he was right: the music never truly leaves; it simply waits for the next person to listen, to learn, and to resist.
