Legendary Australian singer Daryl Braithwaite, 77, has announced his retirement from live performance, citing increasing physical challenges that have diminished his ability to sing comfortably. The artist shared the news via an Instagram post on Tuesday evening, marking an end to a career spanning 58 years.
"After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult and sad decision to step back from performing live gigs," Braithwaite 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."
Braithwaite expressed gratitude to his supporters and industry associates. "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," he stated. "With much love and I thank you."
This decision follows a period of health concerns for the singer. In January, Braithwaite was forced to cancel scheduled concerts in Sydney due to issues with his vocal cords. At the time, he described his voice breaking down as "so frustrating" and was undergoing treatment in hopes of a swift recovery.
Braithwaite, known for his hit song "The Horses," achieved fame in the 1970s as the frontman for the rock band Sherbet, which produced hits like "Summer Love" (1975), "Howzat" (1976), and "Slipstream" (1974). His solo career also saw significant success, including his 1991 solo hit "The Horses," a cover of a Rickie Lee Jones song.
In 2023, Braithwaite performed "The Horses" with pop superstar Harry Styles during the latter's Australian tour, an experience he described as a career highlight.
He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2017, recognizing his extensive contributions to Australian music. Despite the challenges, Braithwaite had previously expressed his enduring love for performing, noting in 2024 his passion for the immediate connection with audiences during live shows. He also commented on the sustained power of "The Horses," remarking on its continued ability to connect with people.
The announcement has drawn widespread reactions from the entertainment industry and fans, with many expressing their appreciation for his career and well wishes for his retirement.