Overview
- Midnight Oil announced Hirst’s death on social media, saying he was “free of pain” and died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
- Hirst disclosed in 2023 that he had stage-three pancreatic cancer, describing extensive treatments and urging people to seek medical checks and simple blood tests if they notice symptoms.
- His family asked that those wishing to honor him donate to Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia or Support Act.
- He co-founded the band in the 1970s and co-wrote many of its signature songs, including “Beds Are Burning,” “The Dead Heart,” “Power and the Passion” and “Blue Sky Mine.”
- His career spanned decades that included a 2002 hiatus, a 2017 reunion, new releases such as 2020’s The Makarrata Project and a farewell tour announced in 2022.