Starr Special Events announces an all‑Australian, all‑star live music celebration
Ascot Racecourse will come alive with the soundtrack of Australian summers past and present as Starr Special Events proudly presents the End of Summer Concert, a one‑day live music spectacular featuring some of the most iconic and enduring names in Australian music.
Tickets HERE
Headlined by ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Braithwaite, the concert brings together a powerhouse lineup that spans generations, genres, and decades of chart‑topping hits. Set against the open‑air backdrop of Ascot Racecourse, the End of Summer Concert promises a feel‑good celebration of live music, nostalgia, and world‑class Australian talent.
Few artists are as deeply woven into the fabric of Australian music as Daryl Braithwaite. From his rise to superstardom as the frontman of 1970s phenomenon Sherbet, with enduring hits like Howzat and Summer Love, to his hugely successful solo career, Braithwaite’s catalogue reads like a greatest‑hits collection of Australian anthems. His landmark album Edge (1988) topped the ARIA Albums Chart and delivered classics As The Days Go By and One Summer, while The Horses from Rise (1990) became – and remains – one of the nation’s most beloved sing‑along anthems.
In recent years, Braithwaite has continued to prove his lasting relevance, from releasing new music such as Love Songs to sharing the stage with global stars, including a memorable duet of The Horses with Harry Styles at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. His performance at Ascot Racecourse is set to be one of the defining moments of the End of Summer Concert.
Joining Braithwaite are Baby Animals, one of Australia’s most successful and loved rock bands. Their self‑titled debut album remains one of the biggest in Australian music history, spending six weeks at number one, achieving eight‑times platinum status, and earning multiple ARIA Awards. More than three decades on, the band’s fire burns just as brightly, delivering timeless tracks like Early Warning, Rush You, and Painless with the same intensity that first captured the nation.
Also taking the stage is Mark Lizotte, better known as DIESEL, a true journeyman of Australian music. With a career spanning decades, multiple ARIA Awards, and a catalogue packed with hits including Tip Of My Tongue, Love Junk, and Come To Me, Diesel’s electrifying live
Thirsty Merc bring their unmistakable blend of pop‑rock hooks and heartfelt songwriting to the lineup. With fan favourites such as 20 Good Reasons, Someday Someday, and In The Summertime, the band remains a mainstay of Australian radio and live stages, still hungry to extend their legacy.
Adding depth and soul to the evening is Wendy Matthews, an Australian music icon celebrated for her expressive, emotive voice and timeless songs. From The Day You Went Away to Token Angels and Let’s Kiss, Matthews’ performances are known for their warmth, grace, and emotional connection.
Rounding out the bill is Jason Ayres, a rising voice blending alternative country, Americana, and rock influences. Known for anthemic melodies and heartfelt storytelling, Ayres brings a contemporary edge to the concert, drawing inspiration from artists such as John Mayer, Ryan Adams, and Keith Urban.
The End of Summer Concert at Ascot Racecourse is designed as a relaxed yet electrifying outdoor experience—an opportunity for music lovers to come together and celebrate Australian talent under the open sky. With a lineup stacked with hits, history, and heart, Starr Special Events promises a night that will resonate long after the final note fades.
For ticketing information, event updates, and announcements, stay tuned to official Starr Special Events channels.