Midnight Oil

Midnight Oil developed from an association struck up in 1974 between drummer Rob Hirst, bassist Andrew James and guitarist/keyboard player James Moginie. The three found shaven-headed vocalist (and law graduate) Peter Garrett two years later, and the line-up was completed in 1977 with the addition of guitarist Martin Rotsey.

After gigging around the northern beaches of Sydney, the band recorded their debut album in 1978 on the independent Powderworks label. It included tracks which had been live favorites such as Used and Abused, Run by Night (the single) and Surfing with a Spoon.

Their second album, Head Injuries was recorded during July/August 1979 at Trafalgar Studios in Sydney. A tighter and more proficient effort it made solid chart impact and approached gold status. Stand out tracks were Back on the Borderline and the single, Cold Cold Change.

Early in 1980, bassist Andrew James left the band because of health problems. He was replaced by Peter Gifford.