Daryl Hall, one-half of the legendary rock duo Hall and Oates, has spoken out about his fallout with former bandmate John Oates,
shedding light on the deep-rooted issues that led to their bitter split.
In a candid interview, the 78-year-old singer-songwriter made it clear that their partnership was over for good, describing the rift as “the ultimate betrayal.”
Hall and Oates had been a powerhouse in the music industry for over five decades, captivating fans with hits like “Rich Girl,” “Private Eyes,” and “You Make My Dreams.”
However, despite their professional success, Hall now admits that their relationship was not as harmonious as it may have seemed.
“That ship has gone to the bottom of the ocean,” Hall said, expressing his disappointment over the way things ended.
“I’ve had a lot of surprises in my life, disappointments, betrayals, so I’m kind of used to it. But this was something I never expected.”
He further explained that he had encountered many questionable characters throughout his career, hinting that Oates’ actions fell into that category. Though he didn’t delve into all the details, Hall’s frustration was evident as he reflected on their years together.
One of Hall’s biggest grievances was the lack of recognition for his contributions to their music. “The songs with [John’s] lead vocal are the songs he wrote, and all the other ones, which is about 90 percent, are the ones I wrote,” he stated. Hall’s remarks highlight the creative imbalance that existed between them, a dynamic that may have contributed to their eventual rift.
Their falling out escalated in 2023 when Hall took legal action against Oates to prevent him from selling his share of the duo’s publishing rights. The court ruled in Hall’s favor, but the lawsuit only deepened the tension between them. Oates later defended his decision, saying he believed selling his half would allow Hall to pursue his career the way he wanted.
“Daryl has always wanted to be his own man,” Oates said. “I wanted to give him the opportunity to do that. If I sell my half, he can do what he wants.”
Despite their decades-long history, Oates revealed that the two were never particularly close outside of their work. “We’ve always looked at ourselves as individuals working together,” he admitted. “We never really talked to each other very much. Over the past 20 years, we’d show up at a show individually, walk on stage, play, and then we’d go our separate ways.”
For Oates, the tension had reached a point where he felt it was best to step away. “It was kind of ruining my life, to be honest with you. I wasn’t happy,” he said. “So I just stepped aside. People do it all the time.”
Oates also pointed out that many artists have sold their music catalogs in recent years, making his decision seem like a common industry move. “You look at all the artists who are selling all their catalogs. It’s pretty common. It’s not that big a deal. But Daryl didn’t like the idea that I would sell to a certain third party.”
Despite the bitter feud, Oates maintained that he harbors no ill will toward Hall. Speaking about the possibility of a reunion, he kept the door slightly open, acknowledging that time might change things. “I love you like a brother,” he said, addressing Hall directly. “But you know what? Brothers have disagreements, families grow apart.”
He continued, “I would say, I wish him the best. I hope that he has everything he wants in life. And that he can pursue his dream of being a respected solo artist, which I believe is something that he’s always wanted.”
While some fans still hold out hope for a reconciliation, Hall’s comments suggest otherwise. With the wounds still fresh and emotions running high, it seems unlikely that the duo will share the stage again. For now, both musicians appear focused on moving forward separately, closing the chapter on one of rock’s most successful partnerships.
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