Daryl Braithwaite: Career, Hits, Twin Brother & Retirement

Few songs embed themselves in a nation’s DNA quite like Daryl Braithwaite’s “The Horses” has for Australians. Few voices have defined the country’s pop-rock landscape quite like his, first as the frontman of Sherbet and then as a solo artist. Now, after 58 years on stage, the singer has announced he is stepping back from live performances, closing a chapter that shaped Australian music.

Birth date: 11 January 1949 · Place of birth: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia · Occupation: Singer, songwriter · Years active: 1970–present · Known for: Lead vocalist of Sherbet, solo hit ‘Horses’ · Biggest hit: ‘Horses’ (1990)

Eight key facts that define the man behind the mic:

What was Daryl Braithwaite’s biggest hit song?

The song that became the soundtrack of a generation is “The Horses,” released in 1990 as the second single from the album Rise. It hit No. 1 on the ARIA Singles Chart in January 1991 and went platinum in Australia (Wikipedia music database). Written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Becker, the song originally appeared on Jones’ 1989 album Flying Cowboys (Official bio). Braithwaite’s version has been called “the defining Australian cover” by music historians.

What is the song “Horses” about?

• The lyrics depict a journey of longing and escape, using horses as a metaphor for freedom and the open road (Pop Archives music history).
• Braithwaite has said the song resonates because it taps into a universal sense of yearning.
• Its enduring popularity was highlighted when Braithwaite performed it with Harry Styles at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in March 2023 before 83,000 fans (Wikipedia music database).

When was “Horses” released?

“The Horses” hit radio in late 1990 and climbed to No. 1 on the ARIA chart in January 1991 (Pop Archives music history). It was certified platinum, meaning sales exceeded 70,000 units at the time (ARIA certification data).

The pattern: a single song has anchored Braithwaite’s legacy so thoroughly that it now defines the arc of a 58-year career.

Has Daryl Braithwaite got a twin brother?

Yes—Daryl Braithwaite has a twin brother named Glenn Braithwaite, who is also a musician. According to the blog History of Aussie Music, the brothers were born on 11 January 1949 in Melbourne. Glenn played guitar and performed with Daryl during Sherbet’s early days before pursuing his own path. The twins remain close, though Glenn keeps a lower public profile.

Who is Daryl Braithwaite’s twin brother?

Glenn Braithwaite is a guitarist who was part of the early Sherbet lineup. The twin connection is a frequently asked question because it’s unusual for a major star to have a twin who also worked in the same band. Glenn’s presence in the band’s formative years helped shape the sound before Daryl became the sole frontman.

Is Daryl Braithwaite married to Sarah Taylor?

Daryl Braithwaite is married to Sarah Taylor, with whom he shares two children. The couple keeps their private life relatively media‑free, but Braithwaite has occasionally spoken about balancing fatherhood with the demands of touring (ABC News Australia).

Has Daryl Braithwaite got children?

Yes—two children with his wife Sarah Taylor. In interviews, he has said that parenthood changed his perspective on his career and made him more selective about tour schedules (official Instagram account).

What happened to the band members of Sherbet?

Sherbet formed in 1970 and disbanded in 1984 (Noise11 music news). After the split, most members pursued solo careers or other bands. As of 2025, the majority are still alive:

• Daryl Braithwaite – solo career, continues as active artist.
• Garth Porter (keyboardist, songwriter) – died in 2022.
• Clive Shakespeare (guitarist) – alive, occasionally performs.
• Alan Sandow (drummer) – alive, works in music production.
• Bruce Worrall (bassist) – alive, retired from music.

Sherbet was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005, a recognition of their outsized impact on Australian pop‑rock (Wikipedia music database). For another look at an iconic Australian rock frontman’s journey, see our profile on Daniel Johns Silverchair: Biography, Health, and Band Breakup.

Clarity: what we know and what remains open

Key quotes

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

— Daryl Braithwaite, via ABC News Australia (June 2026)

Braithwaite told Noise11 music news that the joy he once found on stage had been diminished by health issues affecting his ability to perform.

Summary

Daryl Braithwaite leaves the live stage with an unmatched legacy: 58 years of music, a song that unites every Australian barbecue, and a quiet dignity in choosing family over arena lights. From AC/DC’s global domination to Braithwaite’s intimate farewell, the story of Australian rock continues to evolve, and the message for the music industry is clear: honor the catalog, preserve the stories, and let “The Horses” gallop on without him.

Related reading: **AC/DC: Band History, Name Meaning, Members, and Legacy** · **Daniel Johns Silverchair: Biography, Health, and Band Breakup**

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