In a new interview with The Australian, Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst revealed that he has been battling pancreatic cancer for the past two years. The 69-year-old musician, who co-founded the celebrated Australian rock band, shared his diagnosis publicly for the first time while opening up about the ongoing medical treatments he has been receiving. Hirst was diagnosed with cancer six months after Midnight Oil wrapped up the Australian leg of their 2023 farewell tour, and he’s been receiving constant medical care ever since. “So it’s ongoing,” Hirst told the publication. “I’ve had pretty much every treatment known to man – every scan, ultrasound, MRI. I’ve kind of had ‘the works.’” Hirst hopes to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, while emphasizing the importance of early detection. “Coming up to two years, I thought I just need to get this, literally, off my chest,” Hirst explained. “If you do have any of that kind of symptom, just go and get a simple blood test. It could be life-changing, and life-extending.” (Billboard)
