Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Daryl Hall Squashes Fans Dreams of Hall & Oates Reunion

Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In a recent interview with The Times, Daryl Hall unequivocally expressed that a reconciliation with John Oates is not on the cards. One of the pivotal issues fueling this rift is a legal battle initiated by Hall against Oates. The lawsuit arose after Oates allegedly attempted to sell his stake in their joint venture, Whole Oates Enterprises, to a third-party entity without Hall's consent, a move Hall perceived as a severe breach of their partnership. This legal confrontation has been a significant strain on their relationship, and both Hall and Oates agree their partnership dissolved in 2024.

Hall's statements reveal his feeling of betrayal by his longtime collaborator. He expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition for his songwriting contributions to their iconic catalog, claiming that while Oates led on the tracks he wrote, it was Hall who wrote the majority of their hits. In his words, about 90 percent of their songs were his creations, a claim that he feels has been overshadowed by Oates' contributions. Despite this, he appreciates the lasting impact their music has had, acknowledging that their songs have been and will continue to be the soundtrack of many people's lives.

John Oates, on the other hand, has expressed a different perspective. He has downplayed the legal quarrel as a “boring business issue” and emphasized that their struggles stemmed more from documentation and business dynamics than creative discord. Oates noted that their partnership of over 50 years had relied on agreements that became irrelevant over time. Furthermore, he acknowledges that while their creative synergy had ceased years ago, due to differing interests and paths, their extensive catalog would forever remain a testament to their collaboration.

Both musicians have embarked on different paths, with Hall pursuing new creative endeavors alongside musicians like former Eurythmics member Dave Stewart. Oates, meanwhile, has stated he has “moved on” and feels liberated to explore his creative visions independently. He maintains respect for Hall, referring to him as one of the greatest songwriters and singers.

The discord, while personal, also illuminates the challenges of maintaining creative partnerships over decades. While Hall & Oates collectively crafted timeless tunes, individually, they are choosing to carve their own paths forward. Hall confidently affirms that despite their personal differences, the music they created together will stand the test of time. On the prospect of a reconciliation or joint performance, both artists have declared that such an event is unlikely, with Hall stating definitively that “that ship has gone to the bottom of the ocean.”

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Bad Company - Mick Ralphs Bad Company in concert at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, America - 14 Jul 2013

Bad Company Guitarist Mick Ralphs Dies at 81

Mick Ralphs, a distinguished guitarist and songwriter, was at the heart of two of Britain’s seminal rock bands, Bad Company…

Masta Killa of Wu Tang Clan Lovebox Festival, Gunnersbury Park, London, UK - 13 Jul 2018

Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa Says You Should Go Vegan in New PETA Spot

In a notable collaboration with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Masta Killa, a distinguished member of the…

LEFT PHOTO: Turnstile in concert at Under the K Bridge in Brooklyn, New York, USA - 05 Jun 2025 RIGHT PHOTO: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Release, Los Angeles, California, USA - 08 May 2025

Turnstile Song in New Taco Bell Commercial Featuring Tony Hawk

Turnstile, the Baltimore-based hardcore punk outfit, has managed to blend high-energy music with mainstream marketing in their latest collaboration with…

JOHN LODGE of the Moody Blues takes the crowd back in time at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia on 6 March 2023..photo ©Jeff Moore JOHN LODGE of the Moody Blues takes the crowd back in time at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia on 6 March 2023., USA - 05 Mar 2023

John Lodge Extends Tour Into December

John Lodge, the esteemed bassist of the legendary rock band the Moody Blues, has announced an extension of his 2025…

Steven Van Zandt performs with Bruce Springsteen on Day 7 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park on July 6, 2023 in London, United, Kingdom. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock) American Express presents BST Hyde Park, Day 7, London, UK - 06 Jul 2023

Steven Van Zandt Recovering After Emergency Surgery

Renowned guitarist and actor Steven Van Zandt recently underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis, forcing him to miss several upcoming performances…

Maroon 5 - Adam Levine Maroon 5 headlines the Grand Opening of New Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, Miami, USA - 05 Oct 2019

Maroon 5 New Album Announced & Arena Tour

Maroon 5 is set to make a significant return this summer with the announcement of their much-anticipated eighth studio album,…

Axl Rose and Angus Young ACDC in concert, Vienna, Austria - 19 May 2016

AC/DC Sets 2025 Homecoming Shows

AC/DC, the iconic powerhouse of rock music, is making waves again with their much-anticipated homecoming tour, titled “PWR UP.” Set…

Eric Clapton British Summer Time Hyde Park Festival Day 3 in London, UK - 08 Jul 2018

Eric Clapton Adds Ohio Show to Tour Schedule

Eric Clapton, the legendary guitarist, is set to make a notable return to the United States with a limited series…

Dolly Parton Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Show, Microsoft Theatrer, Los Angeles, California, USA - 05 Nov 2022 Dolly Parton wearing flesh colored gloves

Dolly Parton Sets Mini Vegas Residency

Dolly Parton’s recent announcement about her upcoming Las Vegas residency has created significant buzz in the entertainment world. Titled “Dolly:…