A piece of Australian music history is expected to raise tens of thousands of dollars for charity at auction – despite having been thrashed within an inch of its life for over 45 years.

Rob Hirst, drummer of one of Australia's most celebrated rock bands, Midnight Oil, has decided to part with his black Ludwig kit, purchased new in 1979 for the recording of the band's second album Head Injuries.

It's featured on every Midnight Oil recording and accompanied them on every tour since, right up until the band's final farewell shows in October 2022.

Hirst admits he feels some sentiment towards his beloved instrument, but said he hoped it would find a loving home.

"There is this thing between musicians and their instruments, but this one, I just felt sorry for - literally, for the beating it'

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