News

Rob Hirst is parting ways with a truly iconic piece of music history. Purchased new for the recording of Head Injuries, this Ludwig kit became the heartbeat of the Oils’ live shows — a centrepiece on stages across the world from 1979 right through to the band’s final tour in 2022.

Now, Rob is auctioning the kit with all proceeds donated to two causes close to his heart:

MusicNT ’s “Fix-Em-Up Truck Campaign”, providing gear, repairs and support for remote musicians in the NT.

Support Act, the lifeline for Australian music workers in need.

The auction runs from today, Friday 3 Oct – Monday 13 Oct (9pm AEDT) and is open to everyone. The winning bidder covers courier costs, but walks away with nothing less than a living piece of Australian rock history.

Rob hopes this kit finds a home where it can continue to inspire — whether that’s a museum or a private collection. Either way, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own part of the Oils’ story.

CLICK HERE FOR AUCTION DETAILS

Sold/Auctioned by Matthew Yau on behalf of Rob Hirst.

Today, Friday 30 May 2025, marks 35 years since Midnight Oil’s iconic protest against Exxon Oil on the streets of New York City – a defining moment for the band in environmental activism.

Midnight Oil drummer and Green Music Australia Patron Rob Hirst recently sat down with broadcaster and Green Music Chairperson Tracee Hutchison for an in-depth conversation on the band’s powerful legacy using music as a force for change.

Watch the full In Conversation interview now, here: greenmusic.org.au/midnightoil

Video Description: Video of Rob Hirst, drummer of Midnight Oil and Patron of Green Music Australia, speaking directly to camera. The video is overlaid by footage of the band performing on the streets of New York City with a banner behind them reading “Midnight Oil Makes You Dance, Exxon Makes Us Sick.”

Congratulations to Gretchen Peterson for taking home Best Editing in a Documentary at this year’s AACTA Awards for Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line.