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Rock legends Midnight Oil announce film biography – The Hardest Line

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.

Legendary music and activism are front and centre in this exciting documentary, created with unfettered access to seminal Australian rock band Midnight Oil, who emerged from politically charged 1970s Sydney to become global icons.
 
Across a 45-year career ‘The Oils’ helped shape modern Australia with anthems like ‘US Forces‘, ‘Beds Are Burning‘ and ‘Redneck Wonderland‘. Featuring unseen footage and interviews with every band member, alongside signature moments including the outback tour with Warumpi Band, their Exxon protest gig in New York and those famous “Sorry” suits at the Sydney Olympics, Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line traces the journey of Australia’s quintessential rock 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.

Midnight Oil - Manchester UK 2019
Midnight Oil (acoustic interlude) - Manchester UK, 2019 - photo by Ruth Rae

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. 

The Hardest Line film - Midnight Oil
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