Music legend John Oates recently revealed in an exclusive interview with Good Morning America that he made the decision to try and sell his half of the music catalog he shares with Daryl Hall due to their fallout. Oates, 76, explained that their legal battle was becoming complex and frustrating, and he felt it was time to part ways with Hall in order to give him the opportunity to be his own man. He mentioned that the situation was affecting his happiness and he wanted to step aside to allow Hall to pursue his dreams of being a respected solo artist. Oates defended his decision to sell his share of the catalog, stating that it is a common practice among artists and he didn’t see it as a betrayal.
The legal feud between Oates and Hall began when Hall filed a lawsuit against his bandmate after learning that Oates had attempted to sell his share of their music catalog to music publisher Primary Wave Music without his permission. Hall accused Oates of a clandestine and bad faith move, calling it the ultimate partnership betrayal. However, Oates maintained that he had the right to make that decision and believed it was in the best interest of both of them. He admitted that they had not made new music together in the past two decades, only performing their hits live during that time. Despite the legal battle and restraining order, Oates expressed that he still loves Hall like a brother and wishes him the best in his solo endeavors.
During the interview, Oates reflected on the dynamics of his relationship with Hall over the years. He revealed that they had never really had disagreements because they didn’t communicate much outside of their performances. Oates shared that their relationship was not as tight as people might imagine, and they often went their separate ways after shows. He acknowledged that families grow apart and brothers have disagreements, suggesting that their situation was not uncommon. Oates also mentioned that Hall had changed a lot in recent years, hinting at a shift in their partnership dynamic and personal relationship.
When asked about the possibility of ever performing live together again, Oates remained unsure, stating that it would depend on Hall’s feelings about it. Despite their differences and legal challenges, Oates expressed a deep respect and love for Hall, emphasizing that their bond was like that of brothers. He reiterated his support for Hall’s solo aspirations and hoped that he would achieve everything he desired in life. Oates’ decision to sell his share of the music catalog was a significant step in their ongoing feud, highlighting the complexities of partnerships in the music industry and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the face of legal disputes.
