Daryl Hall says there will be no reunion with his former musical partner, John Oates.
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The two former Hall & Oates bandmates have been at odds for over a year, following a legal dispute that began in November 2023. Hall filed a lawsuit against Oates and sought a temporary restraining order to prevent Oates from selling his share of the Hall & Oates catalog to Primary Wave Music. Hall argued that such a sale violated the terms of their business agreement.
Now, more than a year after the lawsuit became public, Hall is firm in his belief that any possibility of reconciliation has ended. In a recent interview with The Times, Hall expressed his feelings of finality. "That ship has gone to the bottom of the ocean," he said. "I've had a lot of surprises in my life, disappointments, betrayals, so I'm kind of used to it."
Hall has since focused on his solo career and has worked with various other collaborators. His latest album, D, released in 2024, was co-written and co-produced with Dave Stewart, the Eurythmics co-founder. Hall explained that his relationship with Stewart is vastly different from his partnership with Oates.
"It's more meaningful, a real collaborative relationship — and it's based on maturity," Hall said, emphasizing the positive dynamic he now enjoys in his music-making process.
Hall & Oates Finished
Meanwhile, John Oates also appears content with the end of Hall & Oates as a partnership. In interviews, he has made it clear that he is moving forward with his own musical ventures. In a 2024 conversation with Rolling Stone, Oates shared his perspective on the split. "As far as I'm concerned, I've moved on," Oates said. "I feel like I have a new lease on my creative life."
Oates has continued to pursue collaborations with other artists, including country musician Vince Gill and bluegrass legend Jerry Douglas. His recent work has reflected a shift away from the style that made Hall & Oates a household name in the 1970s and 1980s. Oates has embraced a broader range of musical influences, signaling a new phase in his career.
The Hall & Oates duo, known for hits like Maneater and You Make My Dreams, was one of the most successful acts of the late 20th century. However, their relationship has soured in recent years, and the legal battle over the catalog seems to have marked a final break.
