Ghostwriters - The Oil who became a Ghostwriter
“Maybe complaint rock is still being written, but is ignored by an industry hypnotized by get-famous-fast TV shows. Bless you, John Butler, but you shouldn’t have to do it all by yourself.” So stated former Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst during his acceptance speech after “The Oils” were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in October 2006.
Just six months on, the Australian rock legend felt it was time to rekindle the flames of such frustration by writing Political Animalthe most recent release by Hirst’s band Ghostwriters.
The Easter long weekend saw Ghost writers launching their new album at Byron Bay’s East Coast Blues and Roots Festival. “We were not the only band making strong political statements.” Says Hirst of his appearance at the five-day festival.
I am talking to Hirst down the phone line as he settles into day one of a weeklong holiday in Byron Bay. “For us (musicians) these (festivals) are the natural forces to make statements. We would be remiss to not get a few things off our chest.”
The inspiration behind this latest release, which was received well at the Festival, may lie in the former United States Presidential Candidate. After an inspirational appearance by Al Gore on the ABC’s Enough Rope with Andrew Denton, Hirst was motivated to pen ‘Political Animal’ the second track off the new album with the same title, which was released in stores on April 14th. During the interview Al Gore revealed “The truth is, I find the political process somewhat toxic.” A statement, which Hirst strongly agrees with as he begins to educate me on “Howard’s Australia.” “Lies are a part of politician’s armory,” explains Hirst, “we are still a lucky country. People have forgotten they have the power to vote in and out.”
It seems through Ghostwriters, Hirst has found an outlet to express his concerns and frustration regarding the political system Australians chose to vote into power. October this year “gives all Australians the opportunity” to solve issues that concern each individual encourages Hirst. Though the musician turned political protester agrees “There’s no magic bullet in politics.”
The midnight Oil drummer of 25years these days writes for The Bulletin while continuing to produce quality rock music with his band Ghostwriters. Members include former Oils Rick Grossman and Martin Rotsey, along with guitarist Beau Young and Lee Moloney on drums.
“Musical curiosity doesn’t end.” Reveals Hirst, who first picked up a set of drumsticks after a benign tumor in his right leg left him hospitalized for three months. “You can almost find something positive out of the most dire of situations.” After leaving hospital Hirst threw himself into drumming and learned “more in those first six weeks than ever.”
Of the comparisons between the music industry in the days of The Oils and now, Hirst describes it as “incredibly competitive.” Perhaps Hirst is yet to find peace with an industry that ignores “complaint rock” yet diverts much of its resources to “flash pan acts” a process Hirst describes where “(entertainers) get famous quick and get unfamous just as quick.”
With regards to Jet and Wolfmother Australian acts whose careers are accelerating yet still meet with harsh criticism Hirst says, “ As long as you put enough of yourself into something, you can beg, borrow and steal as much as you like.” As for “flash pan pop act Rogue Traders” Hirst is not so forgiving.
Though despite the system, Hirst continues to embrace the John Butler Trio- an act that commands top billing at festivals, as “master musicians.” During the East Coast Blues and Roots festival, Hirst took out time to both witness the band on-stage and interview the trio. Hirst speaks with admiration of a band that is “committed to what Australians should be doing.” He adds “It’s wonderful to see people so at ease with their instruments.”
Speaking with Hirst reveals a down to earth, passionate individual who is dedicated to conveying a message of power. Political Animal similarly makes for a good listen while educating Hirst’s audience on his strong opinions of government.
