Australian singer-songwriter Daryl Braithwaite has officially announced his retirement from performing live, concluding a career in the music industry that spans 58 years. The ARIA Hall of Fame inductee cited ongoing physical challenges as the primary reason for his decision to step back from the stage. According to a statement posted to his official Instagram account on June 23, the 77-year-old performer noted that the physical toll of touring has made it increasingly difficult to sing comfortably, ultimately diminishing the joy he once found in live shows.
A Legacy Defined by Sherbet and Solo Success
Braithwaite first rose to prominence as the frontman of the glam-era pop group Sherbet. Throughout the 1970s, the band achieved significant commercial success in Australia with hits including “Summer Love,” “Cassandra,” and the 1976 chart-topping single “Howzat.” The band’s reach extended internationally, with “Howzat” peaking at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and entering the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, according to Official Charts data. The group’s influence even bridged generations; in 2013, the electronic duo Daft Punk sampled the Sherbet track “We Ride Tonight” for their song “Contact” on the Grammy-winning album Random Access Memories.
Following his tenure with Sherbet, Braithwaite established a successful solo career. His 1990 cover of Rickie Lee Jones’ “The Horses” has since become an enduring cultural staple in Australia. The song’s popularity remains high; in a 2025 celebration of Australian music, the track was recognized as the highest-ranked cover version in the inaugural triple j Hottest 100 of Australian Songs poll, landing at No. 30, as documented by Triple J.
Recognitions and Final Performances
Braithwaite’s contributions to the Australian music landscape have been formally recognized twice by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as a member of Sherbet in 1990 and was honored again as a solo artist in 2017. As reported by the ARIA Awards official records, he remains one of the few artists to receive this distinction twice.
His recent touring schedule included appearances at the 2024 Red Hot Summer series, where he performed alongside acts such as Simple Minds and ICEHOUSE. His last promoted solo concert took place on March 13 at The Cooly Hotel in Queensland. While the singer has confirmed he is ending his tenure as a live performer, he indicated that he may remain involved in studio work and future recordings. He expressed gratitude to his collaborators and supporters, noting the significance of his nearly six-decade career in the industry.
What Happens Next
As of this announcement, no further live performances are scheduled for the artist. Fans seeking updates on potential future studio projects or archival releases are encouraged to monitor his verified social media channels. There has been no indication of a farewell tour or one-off commemorative events, as the singer stated he is stepping back from the stage entirely to focus on his well-being. Please share your favorite memories of his performances in the comments below.