'She could leave him': What fame really meant for Darren Hayes
After enduring a violent childhood in Queensland, Darren Hayes says his success with Savage Garden saved his life.
Darren Hayes discovered his passion for singing by emulating his mother's melodic voice. Growing up in a violent home, his mother, Judy, was a source of comfort and inspiration. Despite her low self-esteem, she believed in Darren's musical talent and nurtured his love for music. As a child, Darren was bullied for his sexuality and decided to embrace his identity early on, believing that fame was his only escape from the toxic environment he grew up in.
This mindset helped him channel his emotions and find a purpose in music. When Savage Garden, the duo he formed with Daniel Jones, achieved massive success, Darren dealt with the pressures of fame while keeping his sexuality a secret. The band's rise to stardom brought both joy and vulnerability, as they had to conceal his true identity from the public eye.
After Savage Garden's breakup in 2001, Darren pursued a successful solo career, releasing five studio albums and receiving an Order of Australia for his contributions to the music industry. In 2019, he came out publicly as gay, which was a significant milestone for him. He now feels seen and understood by queer people in his audience, which brought him immense joy and validation.
His mother, who passed away in early 2025, would have been proud of him for creating a happier life for them both. Her legacy lives on through Darren's music and the impact he has made in the world.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
