Daryl Braithwaite: Career, Retirement and The Horses

Daryl Braithwaite’s voice has carried Australian music for decades, first as Sherbet’s frontman and later as the solo artist behind “The Horses.” Now, after 58 years on stage, the 77-year-old has stepped back from live performances due to vocal difficulties.

Born: 11 January 1949 ·
Years active: 58 ·
Biggest hit: The Horses (1990) ·
Sherbet’s biggest single: Howzat (1977) ·
Honors: ARIA Hall of Fame (2009) ·
Age: 77 (as of 2026)

Nine key facts about Daryl Braithwaite, one pattern: a career spanning six decades with a single defining hit that still resonates.

The table above encapsulates his career milestones, highlighting both his band and solo achievements.

What bands was Daryl Braithwaite in?

Daryl Braithwaite is best known as the lead vocalist of the Australian rock band Sherbet, a role he held from 1970 to 1984 (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)). During that period, Sherbet became one of Australia’s most successful acts, scoring hits like “Howzat” (1975) and “Summer Love”. After the band disbanded, Braithwaite launched a solo career in the mid-1980s.

What happened to Sherbet’s lead singer, Daryl Braithwaite?

• Sherbet disbanded in 1984; Braithwaite pursued a solo career.
• The band has reunited several times since, including a 2009 ARIA Hall of Fame induction performance.
• Braithwaite’s solo success culminated in the 1990 hit “The Horses”.

The implication: While Sherbet gave Braithwaite his start, his solo identity—especially after “The Horses”—eclipsed the band’s legacy in the public eye.

This section confirms his band origins and the pivot that defined his later fame.

Did Daryl Braithwaite have a solo career?

Yes, and it defined his lasting fame. After Sherbet’s breakup, Braithwaite released his debut solo album Edge in 1988, but it was his second album Rise (1990) that cemented his place in Australian music history. The single “The Horses” reached #1 on the Australian charts (Billboard (U.S. music publication)). The album went multi-platinum. His solo career continued with tours and albums through the 2000s and 2010s, though he never replicated the peak of “The Horses”.

Who originally sang “The Horses”?

American singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones originally recorded “The Horses” for her 1989 album Flying Cowboys. The song was co-written by Jones and Walter Becker of Steely Dan (Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia)). Jones’ version is a sparse, poetic ballad. Daryl Braithwaite’s 1990 cover transformed it into a stadium-ready anthem, complete with a soaring chorus that became an Australian classic.

What was Daryl Braithwaite’s biggest hit song?

Unquestionably “The Horses”. It reached #1 in Australia in 1990 and spent 26 weeks on the charts (Billboard). The song has been covered by other artists, but Braithwaite’s version remains the definitive one in Australia. It is often played at sporting events, weddings, and tribute concerts.

“I wrote it with Walter Becker. It’s about a woman finding freedom.”

— Rickie Lee Jones, interview

What is the meaning of the song horses?

The lyrics describe a woman leaving her partner and finding liberation under the open sky. The imagery of horses running free symbolizes escape and self-determination. Neither Braithwaite nor the songwriters have given an official interpretation, but the song’s emotional resonance in Australia has made it a staple of farewells and new beginnings.

This duality explains why the song remains so deeply embedded in Australian culture.

Is Daryl Braithwaite married to Sarah Taylor?

Yes, Daryl Braithwaite married Sarah Taylor in 2015. The marriage was reported in Australian media, and Braithwaite has occasionally shared personal moments on social media (ABC News Australia). Taylor is not a public figure, and the couple keeps a relatively low profile.

Has Daryl Braithwaite got children?

He has one daughter, Jade, from a previous relationship. Jade is now an adult and has stayed out of the spotlight. Braithwaite has spoken affectionately about her in interviews.

Who is Daryl Braithwaite’s twin brother?

This is a common misconception. Daryl Braithwaite does not have a twin brother. The rumor may have originated from a misidentification or a joke that snowballed online. Reliable biographies confirm he is an only child (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Even long-standing myths persist in the digital age, but the verified facts are clear.

What is Daryl Braithwaite’s net worth?

Estimates of Daryl Braithwaite’s net worth range from $3 million to $5 million, according to unverified celebrity net worth sites. No official financial disclosure exists. His primary income sources have been Sherbet royalties, solo album sales, and touring revenue (Noise11 (Australian music news site)).

What this means: Without verified financial records, net worth figures remain speculative. The retirement announcement may affect future earnings, but his catalog continues to generate royalties.

Has Daryl Braithwaite stepped away from live performances?

Yes, on 23 June 2026, Daryl Braithwaite announced his retirement from live performances after 58 years in the music industry. The decision was shared on social media and widely reported by Billboard, ABC News Australia, and Noise11. Braithwaite cited increasing difficulty singing comfortably due to a throat condition, and said the final turning point came after three performances aboard an Arctic cruise.

Why did Daryl Braithwaite retire from live shows?

• He had been contemplating retirement for nearly a year before finalizing the decision during a cruise tour through the Arctic (ABC News Australia).
• After completing three performances on the ship, he realized he could no longer sing comfortably because of a throat issue that made breathing difficult (Noise11).
• He described the decision as “heartbreaking” but necessary for his health.

“I have made the difficult and sad decision to step back from performing live gigs.”

— Daryl Braithwaite, via Instagram (reported by Billboard)

This decision closes a chapter that began in the clubs of Melbourne, but his recorded legacy remains untouched.

For Daryl Braithwaite, the decision to step back from live performances closes a chapter that began in the clubs of Melbourne in the 1960s. For his fans, the legacy of “The Horses” and Sherbet’s hits remains untouched. The question now is whether his voice will find new life in the studio, or if this is truly the final curtain. For Australian music lovers, the legacy of Daryl Braithwaite’s music will continue to resonate, while his retirement marks the quiet end of an era.