Midnight Oil

From the very beginning of their career, Midnight Oil have been driven by a passion to make their native Australia a better, fairer place. Responding to important cultural and political issues by transforming them into powerful rock songs may sound like a foolish, hopeless task, yet the Oils have been resolute and true to their core values for decades. One listen to “Beds are burning” or “US Forces” will provide all the evidence needed for their courage and commitment.

 

Fronted by the tall, striking figure of Peter Garrett, Midnight Oil are a rock band as potent and unforgiving as the land that birthed them. Eighties albums “10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1” and “Red Sails In The Sunset” built a large and loyal following at home, while the next two albums—“Diesel and Dust” and “Blue Sky Mining” (1990)—brought their greatest success in the US. (And in New Zealand, too, where both went to #1).

 

Midnight Oil’s collaboration with indigenous artists, “The Makarrata Project” was released in early 2021 and continues their championing of important causes. You want intelligent, thrilling rock music that has backbone and and ethical/moral core? Listen to Midnight Oil, and if you get the chance, see them live.