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Midnight Oil

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Midnight Oil
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1972 in Sydney, Australia
FounderRob Hirst, Jim Moginie, Andrew James
Headquarters
Sydney
,
Australia
ProductsRock music albums and singles
Number of employees
Band members (varied over time)

Midnight Oil—colloquially known as "The Oils"—is a rock group originating from Sydney, Australia, established in 1972 by Rob Hirst, Jim Moginie, and bassist Andrew James under the name Farm. Peter Garrett became a member in 1973, the band adopted the name Midnight Oil in 1976, and Martin Rotsey joined the lineup in 1977. The bass position was held by Peter Gifford between 1980 and 1987, succeeded by Bones Hillman until his passing in 2020. By 2021, Midnight Oil had achieved global sales exceeding 20 million albums.

Their initial album, titled Midnight Oil (1978), cultivated a devoted fanbase within Australia despite minimal mainstream media exposure. Their significant breakthrough arrived with 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (1982), which included notable tracks such as "Power and the Passion" and "US Forces", broadening their reach across Australasia and the United States. The band secured their first Australian chart-topping album with Red Sails in the Sunset (1984) and dominated singles charts for six weeks with the EP Species Deceases (1985).

International recognition came with Diesel and Dust (1987), propelled by singles "The Dead Heart" and "Beds Are Burning", which brought attention to Indigenous Australian issues; notably, the latter achieved number one status in several countries. Continued success followed through albums like Blue Sky Mining (1990) and Earth and Sun and Moon (1993), featuring hits such as "Blue Sky Mine" and "Truganini". The group maintained a strong presence on Australian album charts until their dissolution in 2002. After intermittent performances during the 2000s, they fully reunited in 2016. Their fifteenth and concluding studio release, Resist, debuted on 18 February 2022 alongside a supporting tour.

Renowned for their politically driven lyrics and activism, Midnight Oil has earned eleven ARIA Awards and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. Their impact includes inspiring numerous musicians and delivering memorable live shows characterized by Garrett's energetic stage persona. The Guardian has referred to them as "one of Australia's most beloved bands."

Overview

While attending Australian National University in Canberra, vocalist Peter Garrett responded to an advertisement seeking a new member for Farm; by 1975, the band was touring along Australia's east coast. Garrett relocated to Sydney late in 1976 to finish his law studies, coinciding with Farm's renaming to Midnight Oil, a name selected from a hat. This name was originally suggested by Peter Watson, who briefly played keyboards with Farm.

Manager Gary Morris was instrumental in securing advantageous agreements with touring promoters and record labels. Guitarist Martin Rotsey joined the ensemble in 1977. Alongside Morris, Midnight Oil founded their own label, Powderworks, which issued their self-titled debut album in November 1978. Their first single "Run by Night" was released the following month. Founding bassist Andrew James departed due to health issues in 1980; he was replaced by Peter Gifford, who remained until Bones Hillman took over bass duties in 1987. The band became distinguished for their vigorous hard rock style, compelling live shows, and commitment to activism focused on anti-nuclear efforts, environmentalism, and Indigenous rights.

Multiple Midnight Oil albums reached Australia's Top Ten charts:

Their Australian Top Ten singles include:

In 2001, the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) recognized "Power and the Passion" along with "Beds Are Burning" as among the Top 30 greatest Australian songs ever—being the only act with two entries on this list. In December 2002 Garrett revealed his political aspirations leading to Midnight Oil's disbandment; however, they reunited occasionally for benefit concerts such as the 2009 "Sound Relief" event aiding victims of Black Saturday bushfires and Queensland floods.

In 2010, their album Diesel and Dust was ranked number one in the publication The 100 Best Australian Albums, authored by Toby Creswell, Craig Mathieson, and John O'Donnell.

Farm: 1972–1976

Beginning in 1971, drummer Rob Hirst, bassist Andrew James, and keyboardist/lead guitarist Jim Moginie performed together under the name "Farm" starting in 1972,[1] delivering covers of bands such as Cream, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Led Zeppelin.[2] The addition of Peter Garrett (formerly of Rock Island Line) as lead vocalist and synthesizer player brought progressive rock influences inspired by groups like Focus, Jethro Tull, and Yes to their sound.[3][2] Garrett's commitment to his studies at the Australian National University meant the band operated on a part-time basis.[3][2] By 1975, Farm was touring along Australia's east coast, mainly performing for the northern Sydney surfing community.[3] When Garrett relocated to Sydney in late 1976 to complete his law degree,[3][2] the group transitioned into a full-time band and adopted the new name "Midnight Oil," selected from various options including "Television," "Sparta," and "Southern Cross."[4]

The choice of "Midnight Oil" was inspired by the Jimi Hendrix track "Burning of the Midnight Lamp",[2] despite the word "oil" not appearing in its lyrics. The phrase itself traces back to a 1635 poem by Francis Quarles:[5]

1976–1981

Following their rebranding as Midnight Oil, the band embraced a fierce punk-hard rock style tailored for Australian pub rock venues.[2] Guitarist Martin Rotsey joined their lineup in 1977,[1] and under manager Gary Morris, they established their own label, Powderworks.[1] In June 1978, they recorded their self-titled debut album Midnight Oil at Alberts Studio in Sydney with producer Keith Walker. Released in November 1978, the album reached No. 43 on Australian charts.[6] Their first single, "Run by Night," was released in December but peaked only at No. 100.[6]

Their extensive touring schedule—comprising approximately 200 performances during the first year—helped expand their following from Sydney to other Australian cities.[2] Renowned for their energetic live performances featuring Moginie and Rotsey’s guitar work, Hirst’s drumming and vocals, and Garrett’s commanding stage presence,[3][2][7] critics felt that their debut album failed to capture this intensity, citing restrained instrumentation and stiff vocals.[3]

The band's sophomore album Head Injuries, released in October 1979 on Powderworks and produced by Leszek Karski (formerly of Supercharge), combined robust guitar-driven rock with progressive influences, demonstrating artistic development.[3][2] It climbed to No. 36 on the charts and achieved gold certification by mid-1980.[6] In April 1980, original bassist Andrew James departed due to health issues and was succeeded by Peter Gifford (previously with Huntress and Ross Ryan Band).[1]

The Bird Noises EP, also produced by Karski, attained No. 28 on Australian singles charts.[6] This release featured the surf instrumental "Wedding Cake Island," named after a notable rock formation off Sydney’s coast. Their third studio album Place without a Postcard, recorded in Sussex with English producer Glyn Johns (known for work with The Rolling Stones, The Who) and issued by CBS Records in November 1981,[1][2] encountered creative disagreements. The band resisted Johns’ efforts to tailor singles for the American market and returned home unsatisfied. Nevertheless, the album peaked at No. 12, with singles "Don't Wanna be the One" and "Armistice Day" breaking into Australia’s Top 40.[6]

Fans, music industry, media

During the mid-1970s, Australia's music scene largely focused on commercially successful hits and teenage pop acts, often overlooking alternative rock groups such as Midnight Oil. Although Sydney's alternative radio station Double Jay (which later became Triple J) supported them, mainstream commercial radio stations initially neglected the band. Their manager, Morris, developed a reputation for being formidable, notably banning critics who published negative reviews. For instance, critic Bruce Elder once described their sound as "narrow and xenophobic," branding Midnight Oil as a "pub rock version of Queen" with themes that he considered life-denying and prejudiced. In retaliation, Morris permanently barred Elder from attending their shows; however, Elder later recognized Midnight Oil as the sole Australian band to cultivate a distinctly Australian musical identity.

The band's contentious rapport with conventional media outlets contributed to their authentic image and reinforced their reputation for taking uncompromising stances within the industry. In the early 1980s, they were excluded from an episode of ABC TV's influential pop program Countdown after refusing to lip-sync their tracks and demanding complete control over sound engineering. Additionally, the show's rigid schedule and strict policies regarding punctuality played a role in their removal. Midnight Oil vowed never to participate in Countdown again—a commitment they honored—despite presenter Molly Meldrum expressing disappointment over their absence.

This "us versus them" mentality helped cultivate intense loyalty among their fanbase. Their initial live shows at Sydney venues such as The Royal Antler in Narrabeen and the Bondi Lifesaver club attracted substantial crowds. Midnight Oil introduced politically charged rock music to Australian audiences, with frontman Peter Garrett emerging as a compelling and outspoken leader. Garrett highlighted the difficulties encountered during pub performances, including hostile crowds and disruptive behavior, emphasizing the band's dedication to grassroots touring despite these challenges.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Midnight Oil achieved significant national success and gained international attention in 1982 with the release of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, which featured singles such as "Power and the Passion" and "Read about It". The album climbed to No. 3 on Australian charts while "Power and the Passion" reached No. 8. It contained politically charged songs like "US Forces" and "Short Memory". Recorded in London during September under the guidance of English producer Nick Launay, known for his work with The Jam, XTC, and Peter Gabriel, this album presented a more experimental sound while preserving the energy of their live performances. It remained on Australian charts for an impressive 171 weeks. To promote the album, they performed concerts at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre—one of which was filmed and later included on their 2004 Best of Both Worlds DVD—and broadened their reach internationally through releases on Columbia Records in the United States and CBS in the United Kingdom. The album also appeared on the US Billboard 200 chart in 1984.

Red Sails in the Sunset

After participating in politically charged benefit concerts such as the acclaimed 1983 nuclear disarmament event Stop The Drop, Midnight Oil released Red Sails in the Sunset in October 1984. Once again produced by Launay and recorded in Japan, this album dominated the Australian charts for four consecutive weeks and also secured a position on the US Billboard 200. Although its singles achieved only modest international recognition, the record intensified the band’s focus on themes like politics, consumerism, militarism, nuclear threats, and environmental concerns. The album’s cover, created by Japanese artist Tsunehisa Kimura, illustrated a vision of Sydney devastated by a hypothetical nuclear strike. Footage from the track "Short Memory" was featured in the independent anti-nuclear film One Night Stand. Additionally, the promotional video for "Best of Both Worlds" received widespread exposure on MTV.

During this timeframe, Garrett stood as a candidate for the Nuclear Disarmament Party in the New South Wales Senate race during the December 1984 federal election. He garnered 9.6% of the vote but did not meet the quota needed for election. By April 1985, Garrett had resigned from the NDP, citing infiltration by a Trotskyist faction. Despite not winning office, he emerged as a prominent public figure.

Goat Island Triple J concert

In January 1985, Midnight Oil performed their live album Oils on the Water on Goat Island in Sydney Harbour to commemorate Triple J’s tenth anniversary. This exclusive event was attended by a select group who won tickets through a radio competition. The concert was filmed and broadcast simultaneously on ABC-TV and Triple J, later being released on video and subsequently remastered for inclusion on their 2004 Best of Both Worlds DVD.

Diesel and Dust

In December 1985, CBS/Columbia issued the four-track EP Species Deceases, produced alongside Francois Kevorkian. It topped Australia's singles chart for six weeks and featured "Hercules," marking a return to their pub rock roots. Throughout 1986, Midnight Oil embarked on the Blackfella/Whitefella tour across outback Australia with indigenous bands Warumpi Band and Gondwanaland, performing for remote Aboriginal communities and gaining firsthand insight into critical health and living conditions. While some critics regarded this tour as a unique event, it inspired their 1987 album Diesel and Dust, produced by Warne Livesey. This album underscored the importance of acknowledging historical injustices affecting Aboriginal peoples and advocated for Reconciliation in Australia. Prior to its release, Peter Gifford departed due to touring pressures and was succeeded by Bones Hillman from The Swingers.

Diesel and Dust held the No. 1 spot on Australian album charts for six weeks, reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200, and climbed to No. 19 in the UK. The single "Beds Are Burning" became their most successful international hit, peaking at No. 6 in Australia, No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 6 in the UK. Other tracks such as "The Dead Heart" and "Put Down that Weapon" also charted domestically and abroad.

At the 1988 Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Awards, Midnight Oil received accolades for Best Cover Art with Diesel and Dust, as well as Best Single and Best Song for "Beds Are Burning". A controversy arose when lead vocalist Morris made political remarks during the ceremony, prompting objections from presenter Ian Meldrum.

Debates surfaced regarding how the band represented indigenous issues to largely white urban audiences—discussions focused on narrative authority and cultural sensitivity. For instance, "The Dead Heart" portrayed colonization through an indigenous lens but faced criticism for potentially reinforcing stereotypes. The inclusion of sacred instruments like the bullroarer also generated controversy. Initially reluctant to release "The Dead Heart", Midnight Oil consented after organizers argued it would reach broader audiences; all royalties were directed to indigenous communities. During this period, indigenous groups Warumpi Band and Gondwanaland toured alongside them.

Following their 1988 US tour supporting Diesel and Dust with Australian band Yothu Yindi, Midnight Oil contributed to launching Building Bridges – Australia Has A Black History, a compilation featuring artists such as Paul Kelly, Hunters & Collectors, Crowded House, and INXS. Proceeds benefited the National Coalition of Aboriginal Organisations.

From 1989–1993 and again from 1998–2002, Garrett held the presidency of the Australian Conservation Foundation, while serving on Greenpeace’s International Board between 1993–1998. In 1990, Midnight Oil staged an impromptu demonstration outside Exxon headquarters in New York protesting the Exxon Valdez oil spill, displaying a banner stating "Midnight Oil Makes You Dance, Exxon Oil Makes Us Sick."

Blue Sky Mining

Issued in February 1990 under the CBS/Columbia label and produced by Livesey, Blue Sky Mining achieved significant commercial success. It secured the No. 1 position on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) albums chart for two consecutive weeks in Australia and reached Top 5 rankings in Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. The album also attained No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and climbed to No. 28 in the UK charts. Featuring a more confrontational message, the lead single "Blue Sky Mine" confronted the asbestos-related disaster at the Wittenoom mine. This track reached No. 8 on the ARIA singles chart, placed within the Top 15 in both Norway and Switzerland, peaked at No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped both the Mainstream and Modern Rock Tracks charts, and charted in the UK as well. The subsequent single "Forgotten Years" experienced moderate chart success, hitting No. 26 on ARIA, No. 97 in the UK, No. 11 on Mainstream Rock Tracks, and again reaching No. 1 on Modern Rock Tracks.

During a break for the band in 1990 while in Sydney, Hirst initiated a side venture named Ghostwriters, collaborating with guitarist Andrew Dickson, drummer Dorland Bray from Do-Ré-Mi, producer/guitarist Leszek Karski, and bassist Rick Grossman of Hoodoo Gurus. Although its lineup evolved over time, Hirst and Grossman remained consistent members. Between 1991 and 2007, Ghostwriters issued four albums as members managed their primary band responsibilities alongside this project.

At the 1991 ARIA Awards, Midnight Oil earned multiple honors including 'Best Group,' 'Outstanding Achievement Award,' 'Best Cover Artist,' 'Best Video,' and 'Album of the Year' for Blue Sky Mining. Morris’s acceptance remarks were noted for their extended duration and received criticism.

Released in June 1992, their live album Scream in Blue (Live), produced by Keith Walker, compiled performances from 1982 through 1990. It featured "Progress," recorded during their Exxon Valdez oil spill protest concert. The album reached No. 3 on ARIA charts, entered the Top 50 in Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland, and appeared on the Billboard 200 chart.

Earth and Sun and Moon

Midnight Oil’s Earth and Sun and Moon, produced alongside Nick Launay and released in April 1993, garnered critical praise and international recognition. It peaked at No. 2 on the ARIA albums chart, secured Top 20 positions in Sweden and Switzerland, entered the Top 50 of the Billboard 200, and ranked within the top thirty on the UK albums chart. The single "Truganini" tackled topics such as Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira, debates surrounding the Australian flag, and republicanism. Chart-wise, it reached No. 10 on ARIA singles charts, No. 10 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks, No. 4 on Modern Rock Tracks, and made it into the UK top thirty. Peter Garrett later issued an apology for inaccuracies found in the liner notes concerning Tasmanian Aboriginal history. In May 1993, the band performed "Truganini" along with "My Country" on Saturday Night Live.

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre expressed criticism towards "Truganini," accusing it of reinforcing misconceptions about Aboriginal extinction. This highlighted ongoing conflicts between Indigenous representation concerns and Midnight Oil’s activist efforts. Nonetheless, some Indigenous advocates recognized the band’s contribution to raising awareness.

In 1993, Midnight Oil participated in Canada’s Another Roadside Attraction tour and joined forces with The Tragically Hip, Crash Vegas, Hothouse Flowers, and Daniel Lanois to produce "Land," a protest track opposing deforestation practices in British Columbia.

From Breathe to Capricornia

The 1996 album Breathe, produced by Malcolm Burn, featured a relaxed, unpolished approach with a subdued sonic character. It climbed to No. 3 on the ARIA albums chart and secured Top 40 positions in both New Zealand and Switzerland. Midnight Oil reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the ARIA charts in 1997 with the compilation 20,000 Watt R.S.L., released through Sony Records, which earned 4×Platinum certification. Subsequent releases included the electro-influenced hard rock album Redneck Wonderland (1998), the live recording The Real Thing (2000), and the more minimalistic Capricornia (2002), once again produced by Warne Livesey. All these albums reached the ARIA Top Ten.

Performance at Sydney 2000 Olympic Games

During their appearance at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, Midnight Oil brought attention to the political issue of Reconciliation. Although then Prime Minister John Howard declined to endorse symbolic reconciliation or issue an apology to Indigenous Australians, he acknowledged "Beds Are Burning" as his preferred Midnight Oil track. The band performed this song wearing shirts with "SORRY" printed on them, symbolically expressing regret for Indigenous hardships caused by colonization, thereby drawing worldwide focus to reconciliation concerns before an estimated audience of one billion viewers. To amplify their message internationally, they collaborated with Indigenous musicians such as Yothu Yindi.

In 2001, APRA placed "Beds Are Burning" at No. 3 among the Top 10 Best Australian songs ever, following The Easybeats' "Friday on My Mind" and Daddy Cool's "Eagle Rock." At that year's APRA Awards, Indigenous representative Aden Ridgeway introduced "Beds Are Burning," while "Power and the Passion" was also recognized within APRA's Top 30 greatest Australian songs.

Band breakup and later reunion

On 2 December 2002, Garrett announced his exit from Midnight Oil to concentrate on his political ambitions. He had previously contested a Senate seat in 1984 with the Nuclear Disarmament Party but narrowly missed election. Garrett secured the Kingsford Smith electorate in the 2004 federal election representing the Australian Labor Party and was appointed Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Following Kevin Rudd's election as Prime Minister in November 2007, Garrett was named Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. The other band members continued working together but did not perform under the Midnight Oil name.

The group reunited with Garrett for a special performance at the WaveAid concert on 29 January 2005, held to aid those affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This event at Sydney Cricket Ground also featured artists like Powderfinger, Silverchair, Nick Cave, among others.

Midnight Oil was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on 29 October 2006. ARIA chairman Denis Handlin commended their distinctively Australian voice and lasting rock influence, emphasizing their intense and uncompromising musical style. In his acceptance remarks, Rob Hirst expressed gratitude to fans and remarked on the scarcity of protest songs addressing the Iraq War compared to those from the Vietnam War period.

November 2006 saw the release of the compilation album Flat Chat, which reached No. 21 on ARIA charts. Despite speculation, Midnight Oil did not perform at Live Earth's Sydney event in July 2007. However, Ghostwriters—a project involving drummer Hirst and Hoodoo Gurus bassist Rick Grossman along with former Oils guitarist Martin Rotsey—delivered six songs including "When the Generals Talk," while Garrett introduced a reformed Crowded House.

Outside of Ghostwriters, Hirst has engaged with Backsliders, partnered with Olympian Paul Greene and Dom Turner in The Angry Tradesmen, and contributed to Jim Moginie's 2006 solo release Alas Folkloric alongside Rotsey.

2009 Resurgence

On 12 and 13 March 2009, a revitalized Midnight Oil, including Garrett, performed at Canberra's Royal Theatre. The next day, 14 March, they were the headline act at the Sound Relief benefit concert held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), organized to support victims of Victoria's devastating bushfires in February. This event ran concurrently with another concert at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with all proceeds from Melbourne directed to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire appeal. The lineup featured artists such as Augie March, Bliss N Eso alongside Paris Wells, Gabriella Cilmi, Hunters & Collectors, Jack Johnson, Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson with Troy Cassar-Daley, Kings of Leon, Liam Finn, Crowded House, Jet, Paul Kelly, Split Enz, and Wolfmother.

Reunion, The Great Circle Tour, Midnight Oil: 1984, and Armistice Day

Midnight Oil announced their reunion and plans for a 2017 tour on 4 May 2016—marking their first Australian concerts since 2002 and their first global tour since 1997. Confirmed in February 2017, The Great Circle Tour commenced in April and spanned Australia, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, Singapore, and New Zealand before concluding back in Australia. Over the course of this tour, the band delivered 77 performances across 16 nations.

In March 2018, they unveiled the documentary Midnight Oil: 1984, directed by Ray Argall, which showcased previously unseen footage from their Red Sails in the Sunset tour. The film debuted in Australian cinemas in May 2018, followed by DVD and Blu-ray releases as well as limited screenings in North America and New Zealand.

One of the tour’s concluding performances took place on Armistice Day at The Domain in Sydney on 11 November 2017. Both concerts at The Domain were recorded and filmed to create the live album and film Armistice Day: Live at the Domain, Sydney, which received a one-night cinema screening on 24 October 2018. The album and video were officially released on 9 November 2018.

In December 2018, Midnight Oil announced a European and UK tour scheduled for June–July 2019 and also headlined the Big Red Bash festival in Birdsville, Queensland. Warm-up shows were planned for April 2019 in Thirroul and Canberra ahead of their European dates. Additionally, they disclosed intentions to produce new music aimed for release in 2020.

2020: The Makarrata Project and "Gadigal Land"

On 7 August 2020, Midnight Oil debuted their first new track in eighteen years titled "Gadigal Land", with all proceeds directed to organisations supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Featuring poetry in the Gadigal language, this song served as the lead single from their mini-album The Makarrata Project. The album’s name is derived from a Yolngu term meaning a peace treaty or agreement, reflecting the themes of the Uluru Statement. "Gadigal Land" climbed to number five on Australia's digital sales chart.

Released on 30 October 2020, The Makarrata Project reached the top position on the Australian albums chart by 6 November.

Tragically, on 7 November 2020, bassist Bones Hillman died from cancer while in the United States. Midnight Oil commemorated him as "the bassist with the beautiful voice, the band member with the wicked sense of humour, and our brilliant musical comrade."

2021–present: Resist and concluding tour

Midnight Oil revealed their thirteenth studio album, originally named Show of Hands, on 18 May 2021, planning to launch it during their scheduled performance at the 2021 Byron Bay Bluesfest. However, due to the festival's cancellation and subsequent rescheduling to April 2022, the album's release was postponed.

On 28 October 2021, the group debuted a music video for the lead track, "Rising Seas", aligning its release with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). This video honored bassist Hillman by depicting an unused bass guitar as a subtle tribute.

The album Resist was formally announced on 26 November 2021 and became available on 18 February 2022. Concurrently, Midnight Oil publicized their Australian national tour dates for 2022, confirming it would mark their final touring cycle, although they intend to continue producing music. The Resist: The Final Tour culminated on 3 October 2022 at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion with an extensive setlist of 40 songs performed over three and a half hours.

In 2024, filmmaker Paul Clarke released the documentary Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line.

Legacy

Although initially met with reluctance from mainstream outlets, Midnight Oil achieved global sales exceeding 20 million albums. Their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame occurred in 2006, complemented by winning 11 ARIA Awards throughout their career. They are widely acknowledged for seamlessly weaving political and social commentary into popular music, establishing themselves as one of Australia’s most impactful and inspirational bands.

International musicians influenced by Midnight Oil encompass acts such as Green Day, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Garbage, The Cranberries, Biffy Clyro, Maná, and Hot Water Music. Australian artists including Crowded House, Powderfinger, The Living End, and John Butler also credit them as major influences. Michael Stipe of R.E.M. has commended Peter Garrett’s songwriting talents, while collaborations between Jim Moginie and Neil Finn further illustrate mutual artistic respect.

Numerous renowned artists have covered Midnight Oil’s material, including Pearl Jam (and Eddie Vedder in solo projects), U2, Patti Smith, The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Silverchair, Tom Morello (performing as The Nightwatchman), Billy Bragg, and Anti-Flag. Their politically charged anthem "Beds Are Burning" was reinterpreted in 2009 by artists like Duran Duran and Lily Allen to promote climate change awareness.

Recognized as one of Australia’s most powerful live performers, Midnight Oil cultivated a dedicated fan base through their passionate stage presence. Esteemed musicians such as Cold Chisel’s Jimmy Barnes and The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan have praised them as among the finest live bands ever witnessed. Peter Garrett’s unique stage movements became emblematic, even inspiring Australian politicians who mimicked his gestures within Parliament.

Their lasting impact is evident through numerous tributes and cover versions, reinforcing Midnight Oil’s reputation as a culturally significant and commercially successful band both domestically and internationally.

Personnel

Present lineup

  • Peter Garrett – lead vocals, harmonica (1976–2002, 2005, 2009, 2016–present)
  • Rob Hirst – drums, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals (1976–2002, 2005, 2009, 2016–present)
  • Jim Moginie – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (1976–2002, 2005, 2009, 2016–present)
  • Martin Rotsey – guitars (1977–2002, 2005, 2009, 2016–present)

Past members

  • Andrew James – bass guitar (1976–1980), backing vocals (1979–1980)
  • Peter Gifford – bass guitar, backing vocals (1980–1987)
  • Bones Hillman – bass guitar, backing vocals (1987–2002, 2005, 2009, 2016–2020; passed away 2020)


Former touring personnel

  • Charlie McMahon – didgeridoo (1984, 1986)
  • Glad Reed – trombone (1985–1990, 2009)
  • Chris Abrahams – keyboards (1993–1994, 2000)
  • Jack Howard – trumpet, flugelhorn, keyboards, percussion (2017)
  • Andy Bickers – saxophone (2019, 2021–2022)
  • Adam Ventoura – bass guitar, backing vocals (2021–2022)
  • Leah Flanagan – backing vocals (2021–2022)
  • Liz Stringer – backing vocals, acoustic guitar (2021–2022)


Discography

Albums

APRA Awards

Since their inception in 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), these annual awards celebrate excellence in songwriting based on creative merit alongside sales and radio airplay. Between 1982 and 1990, the most successful songs were honoured with the Gold Award.


|- | 1989–90 || "Beds Are Burning" (Peter Garrett, Robert Hirst, James Moginie) || Gold Award || |- | rowspan="2"| 2001 || "Beds Are Burning" (Garrett, Hirst, Moginie) || APRA Top 10 Australian songs || |- | "Power and the Passion" (Hirst, Moginie, Garrett) || APRA Top 30 Australian songs || |- | 2018 || Midnight Oil (Garrett, Hirst, Martin Rotsey, Moginie, Bones Hillman) || Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music || |- | 2021 || "Gadigal Land" (Joel Davison, Rob Hirst, Bunna Lawrie) || Song of the Year || |- | 2022 || "First Nation" || Song of the Year || |- |rowspan="2" | 2023 |rowspan="2" | "Rising Seas" | Song of the Year | |- | Most Performed Rock Work | |-

ARIA Music Awards

Since their inception in 1987, the ARIA Music Awards have celebrated outstanding achievement and creativity across every style within Australian music. Midnight Oil has secured 11 victories from a total of 38 nominations.

|- | 1987 | "The Dead Heart" | Best Group | |- |rowspan="5"| 1988 | "Beds Are Burning" | Single of the Year | |- | "Beds Are Burning" (Peter Garrett, Rob Hirst, Jim Moginie) | Song of the Year | |- | Midnight Oil | Best Group | |- | Diesel and Dust | Best Indigenous Release | |- | Diesel and Dust – Ken Duncan, Creative Type Wart, Gary Morris, Midnight Oil | Best Cover Art | |- |rowspan="4"| 1989 |rowspan="2" | "Dreamworld" | Best Group | |- | Best Indigenous Release | |- | "Dreamworld" – Guy Gray | Engineer of the Year | |- | "Dreamworld" – Andrew de Groot | Best Video | |- |rowspan="8"| 1991 | rowspan="2"|Blue Sky Mining | Album of the Year | |- | Best Group | |- | Blue Sky Mining – Livingstone Clarke | Best Cover Art | |- | "Blue Sky Mine" | Single of the Year | |- | "Blue Sky Mine" (Hirst, Moginie, Garrett, Martin Rotsey, Bones Hillman) | Song of the Year | |- | "Blue Sky Mine" – Claudia Castle | Best Video | |- | Midnight Oil – David Nicholas | Engineer of the Year | |- | Midnight Oil 

| Outstanding Achievement
|  
|-
| ARIA Music Awards of 1993 
| Scream in Blue – Midnight Oil, Neo One Design 
| Best Cover Art 
|  
|-
| rowspan="3"|ARIA Music Awards of 1994 || Earth and Sun and Moon 
| Best Group 
|  
|-
| Earth and Sun and Moon – Kevin Wilkins, Midnight Oil 
| Best Cover Art 
|  
|-
| "Outbreak of Love" – Paul Elliott 
| Best Video 
|  
|-
| rowspan="3"|ARIA Music Awards of 1998 
| 20,000 Watt R.S.L. 
| Highest Selling Album 
|  
|-
|20,000 Watt R.S.L. – Kevin Wilkins 
| Best Cover Art 
|  
|-
| "White Skin / Black Heart" – Magoo 
| Engineer of the Year 
|  
|-
|ARIA Music Awards of 1999 
| Redneck Wonderland – Magoo 
| Engineer of the Year 
|  
|-
|ARIA Music Awards of 2004 
| Best of Both Worlds 
| Best Music DVD 
|  
|-
|ARIA Music Awards of 2006 
| Midnight Oil 
| Hall of Fame 
|  
|- 
|ARIA Music Awards of 2017  
| The Overflow Tank – Mitchell Storck  
| Best Cover Art  
|   
|- 
|rowspan="2"| ARIA Music Awards of 2019  
| Armistice Day  
| ARIA Award for Best Rock Album  
|   
|- 
| Midnight Oil  
| ARIA Award for Best Australian Live Act  
|   
|- 
|rowspan="5"| 2021 ARIA Music Awards  
| rowspan="3"| The Makarrata Project  
| ARIA Award for Album of the Year  
|   
|- 
| ARIA Award for Best Rock Album  
|   
|- 
| ARIA Award for Best Group  
|   
|- 
| Robert Hambling for Midnight Oil – "First Nation"  
| ARIA Award for Best Video  
|   
|- 
| Makarrata Live  
| ARIA Award for Best Australian Live Act  
|   
|- 
| rowspan="2"| 2022 ARIA Music Awards  
| Resist  
| Best Group  
|   
|- 
| Resist. The Final Tour 2022  
| Best Australian Live Act  
|


Countdown Australian Music Awards

Countdown was a prominent Australian pop music television program broadcast on the national channel ABC-TV from 1974 until 1987. Between 1979 and 1987, it hosted music award ceremonies, initially in partnership with the magazine TV Week. The awards, known as the TV Week / Countdown Awards, combined votes from both the public and industry professionals.

|- |1981 | Themselves | Most Consistent Live Act | |- |1982 | 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 | Best Australian Album | |- | rowspan="2" |1983 | rowspan="2" | "Power and the Passion" | Best Australian Single | |- | Best Promotional Video | |- | rowspan="4" |1984 | Red Sails in the Sunset | Best Australian Album | |- |"Read About It" |Best Group Performance in a Video | |- |"Short Memory" – Peter Garrett (Midnight Oil) |Best Male Performance in a Video | |- | Themselves | Most Popular Australian Group | |- | 1986 | "The Dead Heart" | Best Australian Single | |-


Environmental Music Prize

Launched in 2022, the Environmental Music Prize aims to discover a song that motivates action toward climate change and environmental preservation.

! |- | 2023 | "Rising Seas" | Environmental Music Prize | |-


Helpmann Awards

Since 2001, the Helpmann Awards have honored excellence in live performance and performing arts across Australia. These awards are presented by the industry organization Live Performance Australia. Note that ceremonies did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

! |- | 2005 | Midnight Oil - WaveAid - the Tsunami Relief Concert | Best Performance in an Australian Contemporary Concert | | |- | 2018 | Midnight Oil - The Great Circle World Tour 2017 | Best Australian Contemporary Concert | | |-


J Awards

The J Awards, established by Triple J, the youth-oriented radio station of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, have been held annually since 2005 to recognize outstanding achievements in Australian music.

! |- | 2022 | Midnight Oil | Double J Artist of the Year | |-


Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards celebrated accomplishments in live entertainment every year from 1975 through to 2016. During this period, Midnight Oil received two accolades.

(only wins listed) |- |rowspan="2"| 1990 | Midnight Oil | Rock Group of the Year | |- | Midnight Oil | Rock Performer of the Year | |-

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARDb
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Howl
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named McF
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jeff
  5. ↑ Online Etymological Dictionary
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Kent
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named RSBio
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