Daryl Hall Dismisses Future Reunion With John Oates

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Daryl Hall has ruled out any possibility of a reunion with his longtime musical partner John Oates, stating in a recent interview that their friendship has been irrevocably damaged by a legal dispute. Speaking with The Times, Hall described the rift as ‘the ultimate partnership betrayal’ and expressed his resignation regarding their future as a duo.

‘That ship has gone to the bottom of the ocean,’ Hall said. ‘I’ve had a lot of surprises in my life, disappointments, betrayals, so I’m kind of used to it.’ The singer-songwriter’s comments reflect a significant shift in his outlook on their once-celebrated partnership, which first formed in Philadelphia in 1972.

The discord between Hall and Oates became public in November 2023 when Hall filed a lawsuit against Oates over contractual issues stemming from his partner’s attempt to sell his share of their joint venture, Whole Oates Enterprises, without Hall’s consent. Oates characterized the situation as ‘a very boring business issue,’ yet it marked the beginning of a contentious split.

Although Hall refrained from discussing the intricacies of their legal entanglements, he indicated that their relationship had soured long before the lawsuit. ‘We toured and we toured, and it was very restrictive to me, and to John,’ Hall explained. ‘The real truth of it all is John just said one day he didn’t want to do it anymore.’

As they moved further apart, Hall reflected on a stark reality: his contributions as a songwriter had often been overshadowed. ‘The songs with his lead vocal are the songs he wrote, and all the other ones, which is about 90 percent, are the ones I wrote,’ Hall said. He underscored the frustration he feels regarding the public perception of their collaborative efforts.

Oates, who has since released a solo album titled ‘Reunion,’ acknowledged the consequences of their split. He expressed hope that their music would endure despite the personal divide. ‘The Hall & Oates catalogue of hits and the 50-year career will always trump almost anything Daryl does on his own or I do on my own,’ Oates stated, affirming pride in their shared music. He also hinted at the possibility of remaining friends, acknowledging Hall’s talent without disparaging him.

The duo, known for their blend of rock, soul, and rhythm and blues, achieved chart-topping success in the 1970s and ’80s. With hits like ‘Rich Girl’ and ‘Maneater,’ Hall & Oates’s impact on popular music is undeniable. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and continue to be celebrated for their enduring hits.

Despite their professional schism, Hall has continued to pursue music. His latest collaboration with former Eurythmics member Dave Stewart emphasizes a more ‘meaningful’ relationship, contrasting sharply with his past with Oates. He said of Stewart, ‘It’s a real collaborative relationship — and it’s based on maturity.’

As Hall and Oates chart separate paths, their storied history offers a bittersweet reminder of a partnership that shaped pop music for decades.