Rob Hirst, drummer of iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil, is auctioning his black Ludwig drum kit, which he has used since 1979 on every recording and tour, including the band’s final shows in 2022. Despite being heavily played for over 45 years, the kit remains in excellent condition and has already attracted bids up to $32,000. All proceeds from the sale will benefit music industry charity Support Act and MusicNT’s Fix ’em Up Truck, which supports First Nations communities by maintaining musical equipment. Hirst, who has battled pancreatic cancer since the band’s career ended, hopes the kit finds a new home with a musician or is preserved for public display, reflecting Midnight Oil’s legacy of activism and community.
Though Hirst can no longer play due to his health, he continues to create music, with a new EP featuring contributions from bandmates and his daughters set for release soon. The auction is supported by fans and fellow musicians, with efforts underway to keep the drum kit accessible to the public, possibly through the Australian Music Vault. Notably, a unique piece of Hirst’s percussion setup—a corrugated iron water tank from a historic 1986 tour—is retained in the Midnight Oil collection and has been exhibited in major Australian galleries. Hirst, recently turning 70 and celebrating family milestones, expresses gratitude for early cancer detection and the global support he has received.
