Midnight Oil collaborate with Jessica Mauboy for epic comeback album

Peter Garrett’s band Midnight Oil reach number one on the ARIA charts nearly 20 years after their last studio album – as they collaborate with Jessica Mauboy for epic comeback

Australian rock band Midnight Oil gained a cult following in the eighties.

And now nearly 20 years since their last studio album Capricornia, the group have made an epic comeback with their 2020 album The Makarrata Project.

The album, which includes collaborations from Indigenous artists such as Jessica Mauboy, has reached the number one spot on the ARIA charts. 

Epic comeback: Peter Garrett’s band Midnight Oil collaborated with Jessica Mauboy (all pictured) for their epic comeback album, and have reached number one on the ARIA charts

Other Indigenous artists included on the album are Troy Cassar-Daley, Alice Skye, Tasman Keith, Dan Sultan and Kev Carmody. 

The album is for a worthy cause with a focus on the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which outlines the path forward for recognising Indigenous Australians in the nation’s constitution.

Midnight Oil currently consists of Peter Garrett on vocals, Rob Hirst on drums, Jim Moginie on guitar and keyboard, Martin Rotsey on guitar and Bones Hillman on bass. 

Talent: The album titled The Makarrata Project not only features Jessica (pictured in November, 2019) but also other Indigenous artists such as Troy Cassar-Daley, Alice Skye, Tasman Keith, Dan Sultan and Kev Carmody

Talent: The album titled The Makarrata Project not only features Jessica (pictured in November, 2019) but also other Indigenous artists such as Troy Cassar-Daley, Alice Skye, Tasman Keith, Dan Sultan and Kev Carmody 

In a statement prior to the album’s release, the band confirmed they would ‘donate their share of proceeds from THE MAKARRATA PROJECT to organisations that seek to elevate The Uluru Statement From The Heart’.

‘Sony Music Entertainment Australia will match any artist contribution,’ they added. 

A major supporter of Aboriginal rights, Midnight Oil’s hits such as ‘Beds Are Burning’ often spoke of the plight of indigenous Australians and the taking of their land.

Artists: Midnight Oil currently consists of Peter Garrett on vocals, Rob Hirst on drums, Jim Moginie on guitar and keyboard, Martin Rotsey on guitar and Bones Hillman on bass

Artists: Midnight Oil currently consists of Peter Garrett on vocals, Rob Hirst on drums, Jim Moginie on guitar and keyboard, Martin Rotsey on guitar and Bones Hillman on bass 

After calling it quits in 2002, the band had not played a gig for the past 15 years – apart from two charity shows – until their long-awaited tour back in 2017.

In January 2005 the band played ‘Waveaid’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the wake of the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004.

And then in 2009 after the Black Saturday bushfires that ravaged Victoria the band played ‘Sound Relief’ at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

During that time lead singer Garrett entered federal parliament and took up the role as Minister for Environment before resigning in 2013. 

Cult following: Midnight Oil gained a cult following in the eighties. Their last studio album was Capricornia in 2002. Peter and Rob are pictured in November, 2017

Cult following: Midnight Oil gained a cult following in the eighties. Their last studio album was Capricornia in 2002. Peter and Rob are pictured in November, 2017

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