Stage stills trills Braithwaite

Pop legend Daryl Braithwaite is absolutely clear. He wants one of his close friends to tell him when he should retire.

But until then, Braithwaite, 65, who has performed across Australia for more than 40 years, still has a burning passion for music.

This weekend he and his band, including some of Australia’s best musicians, will be in Dalyellup for the Music in the Park concert. Speaking to the South Western Times in the lead-up to the event, Braithwaite said he still enjoyed his music.

Those who attend the concert will undoubtedly hear Braithwaite rock-out to some of his classic hits.

He and his band will play a set list that includes songs from his latest album, Forever the Tourist, some cover songs and a couple of songs dating back to his time with ARIA Hall of Famers Sherbet.

“Hopefully people will like it, ” Braithwaite said.

“It has been working for the past couple of years.”

The band, which is based in Melbourne, has a busy schedule and works virtually every weekend.

“I like it, ” Braithwaite said of the schedule.

“I would rather have it like that, than not at all.

“I think it is very fortunate we can work so much. It keeps us on our toes.”

A stalwart of the music industry, Braithwaite is known for his time as the lead singer with 70s pop rock band Sherbet and his successful solo career, which included the multi-platinum albums Rise and Edge.

But Braithwaite said he still looks forward to the next gig and loves live shows.

“The best part is getting on stage, looking out and going ‘hello’, ” he said. “Then away you go.”

Speaking about his place in Australian music today, Braithwaite admits he sometimes wonders if he is “mutton dressed as lamb”.

But he said the feedback from the younger generation had been positive.

“Unless they are trying to pull the wool over my eyes – I mean if we weren’t getting that reaction then I would probably give it away, ” he said.

Retirement had been on Braithwaite’s mind recently. A few months ago his twin brother Glen, an accomplished musician in his own right, told him he was going to retire.

“I do hope my close friends come up to me when it is time (to retire) and say ‘Daryl, hey you are singing alright but it is not the same’, ” he said. “Then I will seriously take that on.”

But until that fateful day, it is clear Braithwaite will continue to bring his best to audiences at every town and city he plays at.

Braithwaite will perform in the Central Lakes Park, Dalyellup, on Saturday.