Midnight Oil

1 songs 1 albums

Midnight Oil is an Australian rock ‘n’ roll band that was formed in 1976, dissolving in 2002 once the lead singer quit to pursue a career in politics, and reforming in 2016 prior to undertaking a major world tour in 2017. It is renowned (in Australia at least) for its politically fueled and pro-environmental songs.

The band comprises Rob Hirst on the drums, other percussion and backing vocals, Jim Moginie on guitar and keyboard, Bones Hillman on bass guitar and backing vocals, Martin Rotsey on lead guitar, and of course Peter Garrett, the charismatic lead singer turned Minister for the Environment turned back into singing. Previous band members include earlier bass players Peter Gifford and, before him, Andrew James. Hirst and Moginie have been the band’s principal song writers.

The band started out as a small cover-playing band called Farm, which Rob Hirst, Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey formed in 1972-1976. Peter Garrett joined when he saw an advert for a new band member in early 1973.