Formed in 1969 from the remnants of two dance bands, Sherbet played for eight gruelling months in a Sydney discotheque before being spotted by the young Roger Davies, who was later to manage Tina Turner and Janet Jackson. By January 1972 the lineup had settled to the members shown here. Between 1971 and 1978 Sherbet released 15 albums and 30 singles, 20 of which were consecutive hits. Named Best Australian Group in the TV Week King of Pop Awards every year from 1973 to 1978, they gained a sound edge over other bands through Garth Porter's Mellotron machine. In 1979 they changed their name to Highway, attempting to project a heavier image in a failed bid for the US market; later they unsuccessfully reunited as The Sherbs. Singer Daryl Braithwaite enjoyed huge solo success in the 1980s, and other band members have continued to work in various arms of the music industry.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Lewis Morley Archive LLC
Lewis Morley (49 portraits)