Midnight Oil rose to international fame by blending raw rock energy with unapologetic social commentary. Selling more than 20 million albums worldwide, the band reached a global audience with their 1987 breakthrough album Diesel and Dust. That record produced enduring anthems, all driven by the drummer’s unmistakable timing and power.
Formed in Sydney in 1972, the band became known for music with purpose. Their influence was recognized with multiple ARIA Awards and induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Beyond the drum kit, he was a vital creative voice, co-writing defining songs like “Beds Are Burning,” “Blue Sky Mine,” and “The Dead Heart,” shaping messages about justice, the environment, and identity.
Tributes from fans and fellow musicians continue to pour in, celebrating a life guided by integrity and purpose. Though he is gone, his music endures—proof that powerful rhythms and honest songs never truly fade.
