Daryl Hall and John Oates came together in 1970 as a singing duo named Hall and Oates and became a sensation in a few years. The two-man band has thrived through the years, having made their mark with hit songs like 1974’s “She’s Gone” and “Kiss On My List.” As with many collaborations, they have their feuds, but the most recent ones seemed to be the end of the road for them.
Hall and Oates got into a legal battle after Oates offered to sell his half of their joint venture, Whole Oates Enterprises, to Primary Wave without Hall’s consent. Hall responded with a temporary restraining order against his now ex-partner, who did not expect such a reaction. “It’s not that big a deal. But Daryl didn’t like the idea that I would sell to a certain third party,” Oates admitted.
Hall & Oates reunion?
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Amid threats of the band splitting for good, Oates recently hinted at the possibility of a reunion while discussing his latest solo album titled Reunion. According to Oates, the fallout with Hall is a “business thing” and a “boring legal issue that’s really not worthy of making headlines.” He expressed his displeasure at the news going public, however he is excited for the chapter ahead.
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Oates is now focused on pursuing a solo career void of comparison and restrictions, as he is now free to explore any music style of his preference. He noted that prior to meeting Hall, he was into “roots music, acoustic, acoustic-oriented, some early R&B, but mostly folky and bluesy” genres. He did acknowledge that collaborating with Hall birthed a new and unique sound, however he is leaving that behind.
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Hall, who is clearly hurt by Oates’ singular decision, described it as “the ultimate partnership betrayal.” He recalled being caught by surprise and learning that “sometimes you don’t really know someone like you thought you did.” The 77-year-old does not appear keen on reuniting, noting that there is no coming back from the incident.
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Like Oates, Hall also feels relieved to express creative freedom and be considered a lone artist. “We had an arrangement that I couldn’t play my solo songs onstage with Hall & Oates, and now I get to,” he said. Hall will release another studio album, D, featuring his former collaborator Dave Stewart. Hall has echoed the need for Hall and Oates’ independence in the past but did not see it actualized through a bitter rivalry.