Daryl Braithwaite is retiring from the industry that made him a legend, citing an increasing struggle to perform live.
The 77-year-old iconic Australian singer made the sad announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday evening.
‘I would like to share this news with you all. After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult and sad decision to step back from performing live gigs,’ the Horses singer wrote.
‘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,’ he continued.
‘I have loved the 58 years of being a part of the music industry.
‘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.’
Daryl Braithwaite (pictured in 2024) is retiring from the industry that made him a legend, citing an increasing struggle to perform live
The 77-year-old iconic Australian singer made the sad announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday evening
The announcement was met with shock and heartbreak from the entertainment industry and fans alike, who flooded the comments section with their well-wishes.
‘Wow! This is huge! A big call! Daryl, your magnificent career speaks for itself. Your generous humanitarian work is an example. Your legacy is intact! Congratulations! Enjoy. Much love and respect,’ commented entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins.
Singer Kate Ceberano wrote: ‘Oh darling Daryl, what an enormous decision. I can imagine it wasn’t made lightly. You will be missed on the scene but we celebrate your amazing music and beautiful voice and simply YOU. Thank you for all that you are.’
‘You have given us so much over the years, it’s time for us to say a huge thank you. Without a doubt, you are one of the best artists our country has ever produced,’ wrote entertainment reporter Angela Bishop.
Nova radio host Maddy Rowe commented: ‘Thank you for all the joy you’ve brought so many people across the years Daryl, you’re a legend.’
Fans were bereft, with one supporter writing: ‘Thank you for all the memories and the songs. I’m heartbroken.’
‘That would have been incredibly hard. Thank you for the many decades you have brought joy to so many people,’ wrote someone else.
Another person said: ‘You have to do what’s best for you Daryl. You will be missed but never forgotten. You are an icon of the industry and given so much to Australian music and the country over many years.’
The announcement was met with shock and heartbreak from the entertainment industry and fans alike, who flooded the comments section with their well-wishes
In 1991, he had his biggest solo hit with the single The Horses, a cover version of the Rickie-Lee Jones tune which was first recorded in 1989. Pictured in the music video
It follows a difficult period for Braithwaite’s health, after he was forced to cancel scheduled Sydney concerts in January, 2025 due to issues with his vocal cords.
‘I have had to cancel today’s Cronulla gig due to a medical condition. It is so frustrating trying to make my voice work when it breaks down,’ Daryl said at the time.
He added he was taking medication in the hopes of quickly getting back to his old self.
In 2024, Braithwaite told Daily Mail that he never wanted to retire and loved performing on stage.
‘I love the live aspect. You relate to people instantaneously. It’s either going to work or it won’t, and that excitement never gets old,’ he said.
Braithwaite also said that despite performing his massive hit song The Horses for decades, it remains as powerful as it was when he first released it in 1991.
‘I don’t get tired of singing it. It’s been very popular over the years, and it still connects with people in a way that amazes me,’ Braithwaite said at the time.
‘We played it up in Parkes to about 7,000 people, and they sang it like there was no tomorrow. It’s not over yet, that’s for sure.’
Daryl has said that performing his hit The Horses with global pop superstar Harry Styles (left) during his Australian tour in 2023 was a career high
The Melbourne-born singer soared to fame in the ’70s and scored countless hits with his iconic rock band Sherbet.
In 1991, he had his biggest solo hit with the single The Horses, a cover version of the Rickie-Lee Jones tune which was first recorded in 1989.
Daryl has said that performing his hit The Horses with global pop superstar Harry Styles during his Australian tour in 2023 was a career high.
‘It was unbelievable. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call,’ he recalled.
Daryl’s solo career includes the number one singles You’re My World (1973), Calvary (1975), and Old Sid (1976).
In 2017, Daryl was honoured by the music business when he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
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