Rob Hirst, co-founder and drummer of the iconic band Midnight Oil, is facing a terminal diagnosis but continues to embrace life. On a sunny afternoon in Sydney, Hirst relaxes on a vintage banana lounge, soaking up the sun. Despite his condition, he remains creatively active, stating, "Especially now! More than ever now! They still ping around my brain all night."

Hirst's contributions to Midnight Oil's music have often been overshadowed by the band's frontman, Peter Garrett. However, many of the band's hits, including "Beds Are Burning," "The Dead Heart," and "Blue Sky Mine," showcase Hirst's songwriting talent. The band concluded its final tour in 2022 with a nearly four-hour performance at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. Just six months later, Hirst received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, with doctors estimating he had six months to live.

"No one around Hirst, as fit as a racehorse, ever saw that curve ball coming," he reflects. Hirst, who has no family history of cancer, believed that maintaining a healthy lifestyle would keep him away from hospitals. He humorously notes, "What makes God laugh? You tell him your plans!"

Despite the grim prognosis, Hirst remains active in music. He recently released a new EP titled "A Hundred Years or More," featuring collaborations with his longtime songwriting partner Jim Moginie and drummer Hamish Stuart. The EP also includes vocal contributions from his daughters, Gabriella and Lex. Hirst's other band, the blues trio Backsliders, has gigs scheduled through Bluesfest in April, although he acknowledges uncertainty about his ability to perform.

"I don't have much breath power, so I can't play the big rock 'n' roll kit anymore, but I can strum away and write songs, and I'm lucky that I can still do that," he says. Hirst describes his health as fluctuating, emphasizing that his priority is simply "Feeling good."

Recently, Hirst's iconic black Ludwig drum kit, which he played since 1979, was auctioned for charity. It sold for $77,500 to members of Midnight Oil's fan club and was donated to the Australian Music Vault in Melbourne. The sale sparked criticism from the NSW arts minister, who felt the Powerhouse Museum missed an opportunity to acquire a significant piece of music history. Hirst, however, is unconcerned, stating, "It's found a very good home in Melbourne, and I'm just glad it didn't go overseas to some tech bro in Silicon Valley."

Reflecting on the enduring relevance of Midnight Oil's music, Hirst expresses disappointment that many of the issues addressed in their songs remain pertinent today. He quotes Barry Humphries' character, Sir Les Patterson, to illustrate his point: "People in the yartz can only do so much. It's the people in control that run the show, for better or worse."

At home, Hirst listens to softer music, finding solace in love songs by artists like Gene Clark and Gurrumul. He acknowledges that his own voice has changed, becoming more fragile, but he sees this as a positive development. "People have commented that they actually quite like the more fragile, melodic version of my vocal against the rawness of some of the tracks," he says.

Now 70 years old, Hirst has surpassed expectations regarding his health. He reflects on his journey, expressing gratitude for the time he has had, especially to meet his new grandchild, Felix. "I'm two and a half years down the track since diagnosis. I feel very fortunate that I've got to this point - and who knows, I might have a bit longer, which will be a bonus," he concludes.