Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst Battles Pancreatic Cancer

Rob Hirst, the 69-year-old drummer of the Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has revealed he has been battling pancreatic cancer for two years. Diagnosed at stage three, he underwent multiple treatments including chemotherapy and an unsuccessful eight-hour 'Whipple' surgery to remove the tumor. Hirst shared his diagnosis publicly for the first time during an interview with The Australian, stressing the importance of early detection and encouraging others to seek medical attention for concerning symptoms. Despite his ongoing health challenges, he expressed gratitude for his musical career and the support he has received. Hirst aims to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, which he notes is often less discussed compared to other cancers. He also revealed that his illness has affected his ability to play drums, stating he no longer has the breath power to perform as he once did.