After almost 60 years, Daryl Braithwaite is calling time on performing live.
In a social post on Tuesday, June 23, the ARIA Hall of Fame inducted singer and former Sherbet frontman says years-long battles with his own body are taking a toll.
“I would like to share this news with you all,” he writes on Instagram. “After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult and sad decision to step back from performing live gigs. For some time now it has been increasingly physically challenging for me to sing comfortably and as a result it has taken the joy out of performing, which has always been so important to me.”
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The iconic Australian singer doesn’t close the door on studio work or future recordings, although he leaves little wiggle room for one-off shows or events.
“I have loved the 58 years of being a part of the music industry,” he continues. “I sincerely want to thank all of the dedicated and loyal supporters and all of the people and organisations that I have been associated with who have been such a significant part of my singing life. With much love and I thank you. Daryl.”
Braithwaite’s last promoted solo show was presented March 13 at The Cooly Hotel in Queensland. Prior to that, he embarked on the 2024 Red Hot Summer series, a national tour of open-air venues headlined by Simple Minds and ICEHOUSE.
As frontman with glam-era pop outfit Sherbet, Braithwaite landed a string of hits in the ’70s with “Summer Love,” “Howzat,” “Cassandra” and others. The Sherbs, as they’re affectionately known down under, enjoyed a taste of international success.
Back in 1976, their Aussie chart-topping hit “Howzat” reached No. No. 4 in the United Kingdom and No. 61 in the United States. And they crossed into French Touch territory when Daft Punk sampled their early ‘80s track “We Ride Tonight” for the now-disbanded duo’s song “Contact,” from 2013’s Random Access Memories.
Braithwaite’s interpretation of Rickie Lee Jones’ “The Horses” is now regarded as a classic Down Under and is a staple at house parties across the country. When triple j counted down its inaugural Hottest 100 of Australian Songs in July 2025, Braithwaite’s “The Horses” came in at No. 30 – the highest-ranked cover in the poll.
The Aussie singer, how aged 77, is one of a small handful of artists twice elevated into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He got his dues with Sherbet in 1990, in just the third year of the annual celebration. And again in 2017, as a solo artist.
