More than 40 years after embarking on what remains one of the most enduring success stories in rock and roll history, Philly’s own Daryl Hall and John Oates are more popular than ever.
“It’s really gratifying,” says Hall, from his home in Pawlings, New York. “It’s hard to believe. I think “Live at Daryl’s House” has a lot to do with it. For whatever reasons, it seems that we are getting more popular all the time. It’s a phenomenal feeling. I’m grateful to the audience and I’m happy to be doing it.”
Reaching the pinnacle of stardom as the biggest selling pop duo of all time, surpassing the Everly Brothers in 1984, their classics “She’s Gone,” “Sarah Smile,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Kiss on My List,” “You Make My Dreams Come True,” “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” among others, live on as the soundtrack of the lives of millions of multigenerational fans around the world.
Currently on a thirty-city concert tour with fellow 1980’s hit machine “Tears For Fears” Daryl Hall and John Oates will make a stop in Philly on May 27 headlining the first ever all day music festival “Hoagie Nation” dubbed “a celebration of everything Philly.”
“We were asked by the city and Live Nation to host and start a series of festivals,” says Hall. “I thought it was a great idea. There really wasn’t any urban festival so it was a great opportunity and we said yes to it.”
“We’re a hard band to fit with and I thought Tears For Fears had a timeless quality to their music,” adds Hall. “They had their big singles around the same time as we did. Like us, I don’t think they’re locked into that time. You listen to their songs, especially “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and it sounds like it’s timeless. I appreciate that, and that’s what I feel is the fit.”
“I wanted to do an all Philadelphia regional kind of show where the music was Philadelphia artists or people who made music sound like this, so the bands that will be booked reflect that,” says Hall. “Someone asked what should we call it and I said, ‘What really ties together the people from this region?’ And I thought, fast food, cheese steaks and hoagies, so we decided to call it Hoagie Nation.”
Other featured performers will include The Hooters’ David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket, Schoolly D, Mutlu, G. Love & The Special Sauce, Vivian Green, Marah and Son Little as well as performances by non-Philly artists Kandace Springs and Allen Stone.
“We had to see who was available,” says Hall. “I wanted the music to reflect a certain regional sound, so everybody on the show has some connection to Philly musically. It is an all-day event. There are at least eight acts on the bill. I’m not sure if we’re going to add more or not.”
The duo’s Philly roots run deep. Hall, born and raised in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and Oates, raised in North Wales, had a chance meeting while attending Temple University. The duo united as friends and creatively in the late 60s. Feeding off their love of the Philly soul sound and R&B, they ultimately caught the ear of music mogul Tommy Mottola. Signing a recording contract with Atlantic Records, they released their first three albums – “Whole Oates” (1972), “Abandoned Luncheonette” (1973) and “War Babies” (1974). Relocating to New York City in 1974, their first hit single, “She’s Gone” earned them their first taste of commercial success. Signing with RCA Records, they scored the Top Ten single, “Sara Smile.” What followed was a string of Gold and Multiplatinum albums yielding the hit singles, “Maneater,” “One on One,” “Family Man,” “Say It Isn’t So,” “Adult Education,” solidifying Daryl Hall and John Oates’ standing as one of the most successful hit making machines in modern music.
“I didn’t even think about it,” says Hall. “My mind was focused on what I could achieve. I just took it as it came. The ups and the downs – everything. I always tried to stay close to the opportunities that were presented to me and that’s as far as I can take it. If you jump at something that is in front of you, who knows what that’s going to be?”
Over the past decade, Daryl Hall and John Oates have stayed active on solo projects as well as performing together. Guest appearances on “American Idol” and “The Voice” have served to expose them to a new generation of fans. In 2014, they were elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“We’ve never really stopped,” says Hall. I think this tour in particular, we’re out in a larger block than we have done in recent times. We usually go out and do short tours. Now we are going out and doing an extensive tour.”
Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2005, Hall continues to deal with this life altering condition as well as being a vocal advocate on public awareness.
“Lyme disease is one of those things that becomes a chronic condition which is pretty common these days,” says Hall. “It never goes away. I have one of the best doctors, so I go to him. It was debilitating and it can be debilitating if you don’t deal with it. I have come out the other side in pretty good shape. I don’t really have any problems anymore. I get flare ups but that’s about it”.
“The worst part of it is that it is not recognized,” adds Hall. “There are so many doctors that refuse to treat it or don’t understand and there’s a lot of people suffering.”
With all the accolades and notoriety that most artists can only dream of, Hall remains passionate and committed to the art of making music.
“I’m happy that we sold a lot of records and whatever that status is,” says Hall. “I’m in this for the music, it’s all about music to me. I just assume play a club as a stadium. I get just as much pleasure out of that. I can’t imagine ever losing the passion. It’s what defines me. It’s my reason to be, and I’m just glad that I can do it.”
