Hall & Oates’ John Oates reflected fondly on his and Daryl Hall’s six decades in the music industry amid their ongoing legal dispute — which kicked off last month.
In a new interview with the Behind The Velvet Rope With David Yontef podcast, Oates admitted that their independent projects will never trump what they’ve created as a duo.
‘You can’t ignore the fact that the Hall & Oates catalog of hits and the 50-year career will always trump almost anything that Daryl does on his own or I do on my own, which is okay because I’m very proud of that music,’ Oates, 75, said.
‘I’m really proud of what Daryl and I created together. I think we made music that will stand the test of time.’
He added, ‘I don’t like to live in the past,’ before using an analogy to compare the current state of the pair’s partnership to a long day spent on one’s feet.
‘It’s like when you go to a great museum and you’re really excited to go and see all the beautiful paintings or the exhibits or whatever it might be, and then near the end, your feet start to hurt and you say, ‘You know what? I can’t wait to get out of here.’ That’s kind of how I feel about it,’ the guitarist and vocalist shared.
Tensions between the musicians began when Hall, 77, filed a lawsuit in November over Oates’ alleged plan to sell his share of their joint venture Whole Oats Enterprises LLP (WOE) to a third party, Primary Waves Music, without the other’s permission.
Hall argues that Oates’ deal would be a violation of a business agreement previously reached by the pair, according to People.
The musicians entered into an agreement in October 2021 over Whole Oats Enterprises LLP (WOE), a limited liability partnership owned and controlled by the musicians, according to the complaint.
Soon after filing his suit Hall was granted a temporary restraining order to allow time for the legal proceedings to be worked out.
Hall also filed a declaration accusing Oates of ‘the ultimate partnership betrayal’ for planning to sell his share of the duo’s publishing to Primary Wave Music, while Oates responded that Hall’s statements were ‘inflammatory, outlandish, and inaccurate.’
Declaring he only learned of his partner’s intent to sell two days before setting out on tour, court documents indicate that Hall believes Oates timed his attempt to sell so that it would distract him and ruin his latest tour.
According to the Associated Press, Primary Wave has already owned significant interest in the Grammy-nominated musicians’ song catalog for more than 15 years.
Hall’s attorneys maintain much of the matter should remain under seal because it is a ‘private dispute… This is not a matter of legitimate public interest, although the parties are well known.’ His legal team noted that the dispute addresses the interpretation of the 2021 agreement, the terms of which remain confidential.
Ultimately, the legal case will be decided during a confidential arbitration process.
As a duo, Hall & Oates reached the US Top 40 with 29 of their 33 singles charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 between 1974 and 1991
Among their many hit songs over the years includes such radio staples as Rich Girl, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do), Maneater, Out Of Touch, She’s Gone, Sara Smile, Say it Isn’t So, You Make My Dreams, Family Man and Method Od Modern Love, among many others.
Having sold more than 80 million units, Hall & Oates are considered among the most successful duo in rock history.
Over their career’s together, the duo have released 18 studio albums, with the most recent being the holiday-inspired Home For Christmas (2006).
Both musicians have also each dropped five solo albums during their respective careers, but neither of them have enjoyed the success they garnered during their time as a working unit.
Laura Davis is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Broadway, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
