Daryl Braithwaite returns to the region

ICONIC Australian singer Daryl Braithwaite is returning to the region on December 21, bringing a full band and a repertoire of retrospective hits and newer material.

Fresh from the 2024 ARIA Awards, the Hall of Famer told this masthead that seeing the industry’s new order taking charge was interesting.

“It was great to see the younger artists that rule the roost all out,” he said.

“When I started in 1970, seeing all the changes, I really like to see how well they go about doing things differently now.

“The music industry is alive and well. It’s always on an even keel, but they’re giving it a good go. It’s rocky, but bands and managers are thinking outside the square. They’re working hard and smart.”

From the heady days of Sherbet in the 70s and the Countdown era, Braithwaite rode a wave of superstardom with hits such as Howzat and Summer Love.

Launching his solo career in 1988, the #1 ARIA album Edge housed five seminal singles, including As the Days Go By and One Summer.

The follow-up album Rise in 1990 featured the #1 smash hit Horses. A few weeks ago, he joined the notable guest alums on ABC’s Countdown 50 Years On alongside Marcia Hines, Ross Wilson, Joe Camilleri and Russell Morris.

The artist and this writer share his favourite song. Braithwaite said As the Days Go By was a pivotal point.

“If it hadn’t been picked up, things would be different from now,” he said.

“It was a potluck, you know, for every band or artist – if it was going to work or not. That’s the beauty of being in this game; there are no guarantees, and that’s what makes it interesting.”

Reflecting on a recent return to outback NSW, Braithwaite believes himself incredibly lucky after 50 years on the road.

“I love every aspect of it. I really do. I love packing the bag the night before, going to the airport, getting into cars and to the gig, sound check, and finding the motel. Everyone complains ‘What time is sound check?’ or ‘Don’t you read your email?’ and on it goes.

“Then you do the gig, and that is the reward. I still try to make every gig a winner or better than the last one,” he said.

Twin Towns shows are on QLD time. For tickets, head to twintownssales1.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/135936