Daryl Braithwaite, the 77-year-old Australian singer and former Sherbet frontman, is retiring from live performance after a 58-year career, citing increasing physical challenges in singing that have diminished his joy on stage.

He describes stepping back from live gigs as a difficult and sad decision made after careful consideration.

His solo hit The Horses remains a defining moment of his career, with revival found in recent years and a notable 2023 live appearance with Harry Styles.

Braithwaite confirms that health-related vocal challenges are the primary reason for scaling back touring and live performances.

The statement promises that more details or future steps will be shared later.

There is no stated plan to stop writing or recording, though he has paused touring; his last studio album Forever The Tourist appeared in 2013 and a single, It’s You, in 2024.

In a 2025 interview, Braithwaite spoke about protecting his voice and considering retirement if his vocal health failed or he felt inauthentic.

The Horses, along with You’re My World, defined his career; he performed The Horses at Moonee Valley in October as part of a farewell to that venue.

Braithwaite rose to prominence with Sherbet in the 1970s, later achieving solo success and earning ARIA Hall of Fame induction in 2017.

The retirement announcement was posted on Braithwaite’s verified Instagram and Facebook on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and was checked by The Age for verification.

Braithwaite’s most recent promoted show took place at The Cooly Hotel in Queensland on March 13, with subsequent posts from that concert.

Fans express emotion that his music has endured across generations, with The Horses a staple at festivals, sports events, and gatherings.