Last week I wrote a quick blog post when I heard that Rob Hirst Midnight Oils drummer and songwriter had lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. It was a post I wrote to express my shock and grief. I knew Rob had been batting cancer and for months now everytime I heard Midnight Oil on the radio or television i was preparing myself for the announcement. Still didn’t make it any easier to hear though.
In the months leading up to his passing Rob had donated his drum kit to a charity auction. The reserve price was set at $10,000 Australian dollars. It sold for $90,000 Australian dollars such was the esteem Rob was held in. I was thinking about that fact as his death was announced.
This week I have spent a lot of time listening to Midnight Oil and following on YouTube etc clips of Rob’s life and talents. Sure I’m sad at his passing but also extremely happy and proud that such a fine, charming and talented man lived. Today is Australia Day here in Australia. It is a significant but controversial day for us modern intelligent people who call Australia home and we have an Australia Day Honours List to celebrate the contributions of some particularly wonderful people who are from here. Rob has been honoured with this award posthumously and I couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient because of his impact on Australian music, culture, social justice welfare and politics.
RIP Rob Hirst it is an honour to be a fan of you. Condolences 🙏🏽 to your wife, daughters and fellow members of Midnight Oil
Kaye's Life and other gems 
Wonderful tribute Kaye ..it is indeed Australia day,one in which we should all be proud to fly out flag and celebrate! Unfortunately…our current Government has been arresting and charging people with offences for doing so.They have removed the singing of the national Anthem,The Myer Christmas themed windows,the practise of Religious Instruction in schools.We as Australians…must stand together to remember the once great nation we lived in…a land where people once lived in peace and social harmony,let’s hope lwe can be the ones to return this nation to its former greatness!!
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