Midnight Oil

Assembled and edited

Martin Francis

JosslynMartinArt.com

Feature Artist Band Midnight Oil

Midnight Oil is renowned for its politically charged lyrics, energetic performances, and distinctive sound. The band was formed in 1972 in Sydney, Australia, originally established by Peter Garrett (vocals) and Andrew James (bass guitar) while they were both attending the University of Sydney in their late teens.

"The core strands of my involvement in public life are a belief in the need to strive wherever possible for equality of treatment and opportunity, to ensure all people have the means to a decent livelihood"

Peter Garrett

In the 1980s, Midnight Oil's music matured, incorporating more thoughtful and well-structured compositions while retaining their trademark intensity. Their third album, "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1" (1982), marked a time when they started to receive broader national recognition. The album featured the hit single "Power and the Passion," which became a staple of their live shows and solidified their image as a politically conscious band. Throughout the decade, Midnight Oil's popularity continued to rise, particularly with albums like "Red Sails in the Sunset" (1984) and "Diesel and Dust" (1987). The latter included their international breakout hit, "Beds Are Burning," which brought the band global attention and earned them critical acclaim due to its commentary on the dispossession of Indigenous land in Australia.

"Midnight Oil's not a calculated exercise in producing something that has an effect. It's much more an internal kind of spontaneous combustion that always happens".

Peter Garett 2017

The classic lineup of the band solidified in the late '70s and early '80s, consisting of:

Peter Garrett – lead vocals (who later became an activist and politician)
Rob Hirst – drums
Jim Moginie-guitar and keyboards
Martin Rotsey – guitar
Bones Hillman – bass guitar (joined in 1987 after Andrew James left)

Festival des Vieilles Charrues 2022 Photo by Fab_Photo_29

Midnight Oil's impact extends beyond music; their activism and political engagement have earned them a special place in Australian cultural history, and they are considered one of the most important and influential bands of their era. The band released several more successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, but after touring in the late 2000s, they took a break. They reunited in 2017 for a global tour celebrating their legacy and their 40th anniversary.

In summary, Midnight Oil’s origins lie in youthful energy, political urgency, and musical innovation. They quickly became a band whose music conveyed as much meaning as it did entertainment. Their commitment to making the world a better place through their platform set them apart, and they continue to be one of Australia’s most beloved and respected bands.

Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line | Official Trailer | 2024

Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning

Initially, the band's style drew from various genres, including punk, new wave, post-punk, hard rock, and progressive rock. They were known for their experimental approach, blending reggae, funk, and rock while addressing issues like social justice, environmentalism, and Indigenous rights in their lyrics. Garrett, the lead singer, was particularly politically active, and the band's music was often tied to social and political causes—this became one of their defining characteristics.

The band initially performed under the name "Midnight Oil," taken from a track by the Australian band The Dead Kennedys, although they deny a direct connection. They gained major exposure in 1978 with their self-titled debut album, followed by their second album, "Head Injuries" (1979), which showcased the band honing its political and musical edge. They developed a devoted following in Australia, particularly noted for their energetic live performances.

Midnight Oil - Put Down That Weapon

Midnight Oil Festival des Vieilles Charrues 2017 Photo by..Thesupermat

Current Members of the Band

Peter Garrett: Lead vocals and harmonica
Rob Hirst: Drums and occasional lead vocals
Jim Moginie: Guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals
Martin Rotsey: Guitars
Bones Hillman: Bass and vocals