Daryl Braithwaite’s heart broken by fans’ appreciation after announcing end to live performances

Australian music legend Daryl Braithwaite says his decision to stop live performances has broken his heart.

The 77-year-old announced last night he was stepping away from the stage due to difficulties he was having singing.

He said he still loved every aspect of live music and it was “with much sadness” that he was giving it up professionally.

“I’ve enjoyed it immensely,” Braithwaite told 774 ABC Melbourne this morning.

“Hopefully the people that have come along and seen us and listened to us during the Sherbert times and the solo career will accept this.”

Braithwaite has been a part of the Australian music scene for almost six decades.

After more than 10 years as the frontman for Sherbert, he launched a solo career that included number one singles The Horses and You’re My World.

He was inducted into the ARIA hall of Fame in 2017.

Braithwaite revealed he had been wrestling with when to retire for up to a year, but made the decision within the last fortnight on a cruise tour.

“While we were up in the Arctic about a week or two ago, we did three gigs on the ship.

“It was after the third one that I thought, ‘Yeah, that’s it’.”

The catalyst for his decision was an issue with his throat that made it difficult to breathe while singing.

He said it had caused him to lose confidence and performing was not what it had been over the decades

He said he had spent the hours since announcing his decision last night reading social media comments from friends and fans.

“Like, it’s over,” he said.

“I personally would love to keep doing it because physically I feel like I could but in my throat, it’s not complying with how I feel.”

Braithwaite said he would miss every aspect of being a professional musician.

“From getting up in morning, packing the bag, getting in the car, onto the bus, into the plane then into the hire car then into the motel, then sound check, then the gig then playing obviously and reaction and, like everyone who sings or plays in a band, that applause and stuff.

“People don’t get in everyday jobs.”

Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes recounted his memories of Braithwaite from his early days in the industry.

“When I was a young singer and Cold Chisel were getting started one of my fondest memories was doing a show with Sherbet and Daryl, being as generous as he is, grabbed me after the show and insisted that I join the band as they left the show in an armoured van,” he posted in a tribute on social media.

“Surrounded by screaming fans who were rocking the van trying to get to the band was my first taste of fame. It was exciting and frightening at the same time.”

Barnes said he and Braithwaite had remained friends ever since.

“Enjoy your time surfing mate, you’ve earned it Daryl Braithwaite.”

Sony Music Australia said Braithwaite had “an indelible impact” on the Australian music industry.

“From his early days with Sherbert through to his hugely successful solo career, he has touched the hearts of fans both in Australia and across the world,” the music label said.

“A constant on the live music scene, we will miss Daryl’s energetic performances and hearing crowds of all generations sing The Horses at the top of their lungs.”

Fellow musician Wilbur Wilde rose to prominence in the late 1970s with bands Ol’ 55 and Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons.

In a social media post, he said he was saddened to hear Braithwaite’s announcement.

“Daryl, thank you for the music, the friendship and the countless memories,” he wrote.

“You’ve earned the admiration and respect of generations of Australians, and whatever comes next, your songs and your legacy will live on forever.”