Pantera Press and Hardie Grant Books are thrilled to announce the publication of legendary Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst’s final book World is Almost at Peace:A Lifetime of Songwriting for Midnight Oil and More.
The beating heart of Midnight Oil with his formidable power behind the drum kit and one of the most revered musicians in Australia and on the world stage, Rob’s distinctive vocals feature on many iconic songs – both his harmonies and lead vocals. But it’s his phenomenal songwriting that his book focuses on.
Over almost 50 years, Rob wrote and co-wrote some of Australia’s best-known songs: ‘Beds Are Burning’, ‘The Dead Heart’, ‘Best of Both Worlds’, ‘Kosciusko’, ‘King of the Mountain’, ‘Read About It’, ‘Forgotten Years’ and many more. And here for the first time, Rob shines a light on his songwriting process with Jim Moginie and Peter Garrett, breaking down the writing process line-by-line. A unique and unusual insight into a deeply private band’s songwriting method.
In the words of the book’spublisher, Rob’s daughter Lex Hirst:
‘As both a publisher and daughter, I’ve found myself in a unique position these past few months. My dad, Rob Hirst, was working on World is Almost at Peace right up until the end of his life, and I’m so proud we’re now able to share it. This project is his tribute to the songwriting cannon, and as you read the book his voice sings out from the pages not only through his lyrics but also through the stories, he’s shared along the way. His presence in this world lives on, through this, his final book of words.’
In a stunning collector’s item, Rob’s entire lyric catalogue from his myriad musical collaborations is highlighted for the first time, alongside early-version pages from his notebooks, hand-printed posters and musical ephemera from the band’s early days. World is Almost at Peaceshares unseen photos, behind-the-scenes stories from the author and his peers such as Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), Rick Grossman (The Divinyls, Hoodoo Gurus), Dom Turner (Backsliders) and many more, which place these extraordinary songs in context.
From activist anthems through to the intimacy of his later works, Rob Hirst was one of our greatest wordsmiths, the singing drummer whose lyrics helped shape the soundtrack to this nation.
Poignant and deeply nostalgic, World is Almost at Peace is a special memento for dedicated fans of Rob and for all lovers of Australian songs. This a beautiful celebration of a life in music.
Available to pre-order now, HERE.
Publication Details:
Title: World is Almost at Peace
Sub-title: A Lifetime of Songwriting for Midnight Oil and More
Author: Rob Hirst
Imprint: Pantera Press, an imprint of Hardie Grant Books
Publication Date: November 2026
Format: hardback, eBook
RRP: AU $59.99, NZ $69.99
