Rob Hirst facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rob Hirst
Rob Hirst, with Backsliders at Womadelaide 2007
Background information
Birth name	Robert George Hirst
Born	(1955-09-03) 3 September 1955 (age 70) Camden, New South Wales, Australia
Died	Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day
Genres	Rock, alternative rock, blues, delta blues, surf music
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Drums, percussion, guitar, keyboards, vocals
Years active	1971–present
Labels	Virgin, Mercury, SonyBMG
Associated acts	Schwampy Moose, Farm, Midnight Oil, Ghostwriters, Backsliders, The Angry Tradesmen, Hirst and Greene, The Break

Robert George Hirst, known as Rob Hirst, was born on September 3, 1955, in Camden, New South Wales, Australia. He is a talented Australian musician. Rob is most famous as the drummer, percussionist, and a singer for the iconic rock band Midnight Oil. He was one of the founding members of the band in the 1970s. Midnight Oil took a break in 2002 but started playing music together again in 2017.

Rob has also been a part of other bands. These include Ghostwriters, Backsliders, The Angry Tradesmen, and The Break. He also wrote a book called Willie's Bar & Grill. This book shares stories from a Midnight Oil tour that happened after the events of September 11, 2001.

Rob Hirst and Midnight Oil

In the early 1970s, Rob Hirst and his friends Jim Moginie and Andrew "Bear" James were schoolboys. They played their first show in Sydney under the name Schwampy Moose. They mostly played songs by The Beatles. By 1976, their band was called Farm. Rob, who was studying at the University of Sydney, placed an advertisement for a singer.

Soon, Peter Garrett joined as the lead singer. The band then included Rob Hirst on drums and vocals, Jim Moginie on guitar and keyboards, and Andrew James on bass. Later, Martin Rotsey joined on guitar. Their manager, Gary Morris, was also a key part of the team. The band then changed their name to Midnight Oil.

Midnight Oil became known for their powerful live shows. Their early music was a mix of surf and punk styles. As the 1980s began, Rob, Jim, and Peter started writing songs about important topics. These topics included fairness for Aboriginal people, protecting the environment, and helping people in need. Peter Garrett often used the stage to share the band's views on these issues.

In 1979, Andrew James left the band and Peter Gifford took his place. In 1987, after touring the Australian outback, Peter Gifford left due to health reasons. The band had just recorded their very famous album, Diesel and Dust. A new bass player, Bones Hillman, joined. He added new singing voices to the band. Midnight Oil continued to make music and tour around the world for 15 more years. They released fourteen albums and two EPs. Lead singer Peter Garrett left the group in December 2002 to work in politics. The band started playing music again in 2017. They even went on a world tour that year.

Ghostwriters: Another Band

In the mid-1990s, while Midnight Oil was taking a break, Rob Hirst started a new project. He teamed up with guitarist Andrew Dickson and Hoodoo Gurus bass player Rick Grossman. They formed a band called Ghostwriters. This band has released four albums. These albums are Ghostwriters (1991), Second Skin (1996), Fibromoon (2000), and Political Animal (2007).

Playing the Blues with Backsliders

In the year 2000, Rob Hirst joined Backsliders. This is an Australian Blues music group that started in 1986. The band includes founding member Dom Turner and harmonica players like Brod Smith. With Rob Hirst, the band has released six studio albums, one EP, and a live DVD.

More Musical Adventures

Dom Turner and Rob Hirst formed another band in 2002 called The Angry Tradesmen. They wanted to mix guitar and drum music from North Mississippi with drum and bass music from the 1990s. Their only album, Beat the House, came out in 2008. Midnight Oil's Martin Rotsey also played on this album. Rob Hirst and Martin Rotsey also played on the song "All Around the World". This song is on Jim Moginie's solo album Alas Folkloric (2006).

Rob also worked with Australia's Olympic athletes for a special record. This record was made for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He also worked with former Olympic athlete Paul Greene. Hirst and Greene released an album called In the Stealth of Summer. They also released a live DVD.

In 2010, Rob Hirst, Jim Moginie, and Martin Rotsey formed a new surf rock band. They joined with Violent Femmes bass player Brian Ritchie and Hunters & Collectors trumpet player Jack Howard. This new band was called The Break. Their first album, Church of the Open Sky, was released on April 16, 2010. They then toured Australia. Their second album, Space Farm, came out on March 15, 2013. Another Australian tour followed this release.

In 2015, Rob worked on music with his daughter, Jay O'Shea. She is part of the band O'Shea. They connected later in life. The song "The Truth Walks Slowly" was a special collaboration. Rob had also worked with his younger daughters on his solo album, where they sang backing vocals.

Rob Hirst's Family Life

Rob Hirst has three daughters. Two daughters are with his wife, Leslie Holland. One of them, Gabriella Hirst, is an artist. His other daughter, Jay O'Shea, is also a musician. They reconnected in 2010 and have made music together.

Rob Hirst's Music Albums

Albums Rob Hirst Has Released

Extended Play Records

Awards and Recognitions

APRA Awards

The Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) started these awards in 1982. They celebrate the best songwriters and music composers. They recognize great songwriting, sales, and how often songs are played. From 1982 to 1990, top songs received the Gold Award.

Country Music Awards of Australia

The Country Music Awards of Australia celebrate the best in Australian country music. They happen every January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. These awards started in 1973.