Contrary. Passionate. Outspoken. Over 45 years Midnight Oil helped shape modern Australia - this is their trailblazing story.
The time has come … for the story of Midnight Oil. Relive their journey as this “contrary bunch of bastards” blazes a trail like no other rock’n’roll band.
The band was formed in Sydney in 1972 by drummer Rob Hirst, guitarist / keyboards Jim Moginie and original bassist Andrew James as Farm. Enlisting singer Peter Garrett the following year, they changed their name in 1976, and hired guitarist Martin Rotsey a year later. Peter Gifford served as bass player from 1980 to 1987, with Bones Hillman then assuming the role until his death in 2020. Midnight Oil have sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
In the trailer the band can be seen expressing the importance of using your voice to say something rather than staying silent. Hints of their music videos, including ‘Power And The Passion‘ and ‘The Dead Heart‘, are present as Midnight Oil discuss their journey of denying mainstream success and expectations.

A Beyond Entertainment and Blink TV production, the film is written and directed by Paul Clarke, produced by Carolina Sorensen and executive produced by Mikael Borglund, Paul Clarke and Martin Fabinyi. Officially released only in cinemas on 4th July 2024, keep an eye on The Oils’ socials for dates near you!
Lucky Sydneysiders can watch the movie a month earlier; Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line will premiere at the Sydney Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, 5 June, at the State Theatre.

Follow Midnight Oil on Their Socials:
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