Update, November 28: The private eyes have done some digging, and here’s what they’ve got for us. Daryl Hall has sued John Oates for attempting to sell his half of their joint Hall & Oates venture, Whole Oats Enterprises LLP, which Hall claims is in violation of a business agreement. According to the Associated Press, Oates attempted to sell his stake to Primary Wave, a prominent song fund that counts the likes of Stevie Nicks, Prince, Smokey Robinson, and Alice Cooper in its collection. Primary Wave already owns a “significant interest” in the Hall & Oates catalogue. In a 2021 interview, Hall told Sky News the initial publishing-rights sale was completed without his consent because it was sold at the start of his career. “I have a bit of my publishing, but a lot of bad business was done in the early days,” Hall explained. “I’m a real rock-and-roll story when it comes to that kind of thing.” In addition, TMZ reports on a pettier prong of the lawsuit: The duo’s arbitration is working out “who can sing what as a solo artist,” with Hall allegedly unenthused about Oates performing songs he didn’t write himself at solo concerts. No can do.
Original story published November 22 follows.
The only thing on Daryl Hall’s list is … justice? Hall is currently locked in a mysterious legal battle with his brother-in-music, John Oates, and court documents are sealed about the exact nature of the dispute. Philadelphia magazine was first to report the lawsuit, which falls within the “contract/debt” category. Hall was also granted a temporary restraining order against Oates with a bond set at $50,000. Neither artist has issued a public comment. Despite the duo’s touring together as recently as last year, Hall has taken a prickly stance of late in interviews (including in Vulture) about their relationship. Most glaring, Hall told Bill Maher’s podcast in 2022 that he doesn’t view Oates as a complete equal. “He’s my business partner. He’s not my creative partner,” Hall said dismissively. “We made records called ‘Hall & Oates’ together, but we’ve always been very separate and that’s a really important thing for me.” Last month, Oates admitted that he doubts the pair will tour again. “I think we both have grown apart professionally and personally,” he said. “I think we both want to do something else.” Today, all the Saras frown in solidarity.
