Talk about strength and resilience! Midnight Oil’s legendary drummer Rob Hirst is proving that music truly heals the soul. Despite his ongoing battle with stage three pancreatic cancer, the 70-year-old rock icon just released a deeply personal new EP called ‘A Hundred Years or More’ – and it’s already giving us all the feels. What makes this project extra special? Hirst recorded it during breaks in his treatment, turning hospital downtime into creative gold. The man literally brought his drumsticks to chemo sessions and came out with musical magic.
The family connection makes this EP even more powerful. Hirst brought his daughters Gabriella and Lex into the studio to contribute vocals, creating a beautiful intergenerational musical moment. The title track features Gabriella singing ‘May you live to be a hundred years or more’ with her father joining for the final line – creating one of the most emotional musical moments you’ll hear this year. It’s the kind of raw, heartfelt collaboration that reminds us why music matters so much.
This four-track collection shows that even in the toughest times, creativity can flourish. While Hirst has been rocking stages for decades with Midnight Oil, this personal project reveals a different side of the artist – vulnerable, hopeful, and incredibly resilient. The EP drops November 14th, and we’re already adding it to our ‘songs that hit you right in the feels’ playlist. Check out the official announcement from [Midnight Oil’s website](https://www.midnightoil.com) for more details.
‘May you live to be a hundred years or more’ – the powerful line from the title track that Gabriella Hirst sings to her father
Memphis knows a thing or two about musical resilience and family legacies. From the multi-generational talents at Stax Records to fathers passing guitars to their kids in local blues clubs, our city understands how music connects generations. Hirst’s story resonates deeply here – it’s about fighting through adversity and creating something beautiful despite the challenges. That Memphis spirit of perseverance through music? Hirst is living it.
This EP isn’t just another release – it’s a testament to the human spirit. While Hirst continues his cancer treatment, he’s giving us all a gift that proves art can be born from struggle. The emotional weight of hearing a daughter sing those hopeful words to her father while he battles a serious illness… it’s the kind of authentic moment that cuts through all the noise in today’s music scene. We’ll be playing tracks from ‘A Hundred Years or More’ on Q107.5 and celebrating the incredible strength behind this music.
Rob Hirst’s ‘A Hundred Years or More’ EP drops November 14th – get ready to be moved by one of the most powerful musical stories of the year!