John Oates, one half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates, expresses his gratitude for their enduring success while revealing his personal fulfillment in pursuing solo endeavors free from the constraints of their partnership.
John Oates, known for his legendary partnership with Daryl Hall, candidly reflects on their 50-year musical journey and his current path as a solo artist. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Oates unveils the complexities of their relationship and the creative limitations he felt within the confines of their iconic duo.
"I can't speak for Daryl, but I think we both prioritized the collective. We prioritized Hall & Oates because it was so important," Oates explains. "We created an incredible legacy and body of music that will stand the test of time."
However, Oates expresses that their commitment to the band resulted in a sense of constraint for both of them. He felt the need to curtail his individual projects to maintain the focus on their collaborative work. "Every time I got momentum on an individual or solo project, it had to be curtailed or shortened to go back to the … 'two-headed monster,' as we laughingly used to call it."
When asked directly about the possibility of a reunion, Oates remains resolute in his pursuit of his newfound freedom. "I don't think so. I think I'm reveling in relishing this newfound freedom. That's just unbelievable to me," he says. "The fact that Daryl and I were able to hold it together that long is a miracle in itself."
Adding to the complexities of their relationship is an ongoing legal battle over the ownership of their company, Whole Oats Enterprises. In November 2023, Hall sued Oates, alleging an attempted sale of his share without permission. A temporary restraining order was subsequently issued against Oates.
Oates provides his perspective on the situation. "When this whole situation got mired in legality and really complex legal wranglings, I got really frustrated. I said, 'You know what? Daryl has always wanted to be his own man.'"
He further explains, "I said, 'I'm going to give him the opportunity to do that. If I sell my half, he can … do what he wants.' It was kind of ruining my life, to be honest with you. I wasn't happy. I said, 'Well, I'll just step aside.'"
Hall has since addressed the lawsuit, expressing surprise and disappointment. "It hit me by surprise," he told Variety. "All I can say is people change, and sometimes you don’t really know someone like you thought you did."
Amidst the legal complexities, Oates emphasizes the importance of legal guidance for aspiring artists. "The music business is a very, very complex business," Oates says. "There are lots of aspects to it. … So, everyone has to navigate the music business in their own personal way."
Now, with his sixth solo album, "Reunion," Oates embraces his creative freedom to explore his musical roots, including blues, bluegrass, and swing. "I did all sorts of stuff. And then when I met Daryl, basically we kind of subjugated our individual influences and put them together and created something totally new and original," Oates explains. "But that side of me, that kind of authentic, rootsy music side of me, never went away."
Oates notes how his current path allows him to fully explore his creativity without the constraints of a partnership. "When one door closes, another one opens? Well, for me, the way it feels is when one door closed, about 100 doors have opened," he says. "There's been these incredible opportunities coming my way."
Despite his unwavering commitment to solo endeavors, Oates acknowledges the power of his and Hall's artistry. "I’ve never canceled a show, ever," he says. "That includes the time he appeared at Madison Square Garden with Hall, days after surgery, in February 2020."
However, Oates remains clear about his decision to avoid performing Hall & Oates songs in his solo shows. "No one expects to hear me play Hall & Oates songs," he says. "And I just say, 'You know, you want to hear a whole song, you know, go buy the records.'"
Oates expresses his appreciation for the nostalgic appeal of classic rock concerts while acknowledging the potential limitations they can impose. "The negative part of that is that all you're doing is playing a series of hits, and you run the risk of becoming a caricature of yourself," he says. "I really didn't want that to happen."
As Oates continues his solo journey, he reflects on the invaluable lessons he has learned throughout his illustrious career. "Get a good lawyer," he advises aspiring artists. "The music business is a very, very complex business."
With his newfound freedom, John Oates embraces the future and the boundless opportunities it holds for his music and his personal growth.
