As one of the most iconic songs in Australian history, there’s no doubt that Daryl Braithwaite’s ‘The Horses’ has been the soundtrack to significant life milestones and memories for many, whether it be a first date, a wedding, or just a really great night out.
But, for some – including Braithwaite himself – it’s a Harry Styles concert.
Back in 2023, Styles graced Aussie stages for the first time in over five years as part of ‘Love On Tour’.
Perth fans, who were expecting to hear ‘Kiwi’, as he closed out the show, were in for a shock when ‘The Horses’ started playing, though Braithwaite said he was in on the secret. But, what happened next was unprecedented, even for him.
“I knew that he was playing it in Perth at the start of the tour, but then I went and saw his show in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. I went with a friend, we were standing maybe 100m back or more, off to the right, and before he went on, they played, ‘The Horses’,” he said.
“People started to look at me, and then all the cameras came out, and I had no idea what to do! I just stood there like a stunned mullet! Then, we stayed for the show, and he played ‘The Horses’ again!”
Styles then contacted Braithwaite via Sony, asking him to help sing the song in Sydney.
Though you might think the moment would be no more than a drop in the water for Braithwaite, who has been performing for upwards of 50 years, he said it was rather surreal.
“Walking out onto the stage, the roar of the crowd was euphoric, to say the least,” he said.
“I appreciate it and remember it as if it was yesterday, and he seemed like a really lovely guy. It was a moment, let me tell you.”
It was also momentous for attendees, seeing the stars on stage together.
“People have mentioned to me that they were out there, and they were so proud, and they were crying, and I thought, my god, you forget how a song or an image can affect people in our business,” he said.
Now, Braithwaite is bringing ‘The Horses’, along with a host of other hits all the way from his Sherbet days to upcoming single, ‘It’s You’, to Sydney Coliseum as part of festival, GIG60.
Braithwaite is no stranger to the venue, having performed there many times before
This only makes it more significant for him to be involved in what is the venue’s commemoration of 60 years in the community.
Braithwaite is headlining the first night, ‘Total Legends’ alongside Baby Animals and Marcia Hines. The second night, ‘Total Country’ will feature Troy Cassar-Daley, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, and Max Jackson, and will be followed by ‘Total Icons’ on the third night, featuring Boy & Bear, Middle Kids and Dylan Wright.
Braithwaite said that the concept of the event is what will make it so special.
“What a great initiative… they’re catering for a whole variety of people who would like to come and see those specific sections,” he said.
Daryl Braithwaite will be on at Sydney Coliseum on Wednesday, September 25 as part of GIG60. Tickets are $60.
Cassidy Pearce
Cassidy Pearce is a news and entertainment journalist with The Western Weekender. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, she has previously worked with Good Morning Macarthur and joined the Weekender in 2022.