Former Sherbet front man, Daryl Braithwaite has cancelled performances at the Australian Open and the annual Red Hot Summer Tour after a health scare left him hospitalised on the 17 January. He left an apology on his Facebook page:
Good morning,
I unfortunately and regrettably have had to cancel this week’s shows due to illness and sudden admission into Hospital (sic). I am disappointed that I won’t be able to perform at the Australian Open Tennis tonight nor the Mornington Peninsula RHST (Red Hot Summer Tour) shows this weekend.
I am hoping to make a speedy recovery and be back doing shows very soon.
Regards Daryl. (sic)
His condition has not been made public.
Braithwaite has touched multiple generations of fans, both as a part of Sherbet in the 1970’s and 1980’s with songs like Summer Love” and “Howzat” and in the 1990’s with a cover (yep, you read that right), of “The Horses”. It was written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Becker. Jones sung it in 1989, a year before Braithwaite. Over 25 years after it’s release by Braithwaite, it remains a classic song loved by many Australians.
The Sherbet hit, “Howzat” – written by Tony Mitchell and Garth Porter has become an unofficial cricket anthem since its release in 1976. However the song is about a man who’s found out his wife has had an affair.
Sherbet was a staple part of the ABC music show “Countdown”. Braithwaite even co – hosted an episode with John Paul Young when Ian “Molly Meldrum” failed to turn up to the filming.
I really feel for the people who bought tickets to see Braithwaite at the Australian Open or Red Hot Summer Tour. I can imagine your disappointment. Back in 2012 or 2013, I bought tickets to go and see the British metal band, “The Darkness” and the iconic “Joan Jett and the Blackhearts” at Hisense Arena, Melbourne, only to hear that the show was cancelled allegedly because one of the members of “The Darkness” had health issues due to a car accident. Hope Joan Jett and the Blackhearts come back to Australia one day.
Anyway, Braithwaite fans on Facebook have been understanding and have seen him well – wishes and hope for a speedy recovery. They can add me to the list of well – wishers. I do hope it gets well soon and can continue doing what he loves – performing.
Here’s a bit of Daryl Braithwaite trivia for you. Did you know that he’s a twin? He has a twin brother, Glenn. They were born in Melbourne on the 11 January 1949.
Do you have a favourite The Sherbet or solo song from Daryl Braithwaite?