Hall & Oates’ John Oates chats about playing Madison Square Garden on Feb. 19, what’s ahead for both him and Daryl, and more

by | Feb 17, 2016 | Coming Up, Culture, Music

The best-selling duo in music history, Hall & Oates has been internationally-renowned over four decades. With dozens of charting singles to their credit, Hall & Oates is the rare sort of band that can perform a two-hour concert comprised entirely of hit songs. But the group – who headlines Madison Square Garden on Feb. 19 alongside Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and Mayer Hawthorne – continues to push forward with new music every few years.

Aside from his Hall & Oates duties, John Oates keeps a very active solo career. In addition to his latest studio effort, 2013’s Good Road To Follow, he co-wrote Margo Rey’s 2011 hit “Let The Rain.” Good Road featured collaborations with Hot Chelle Ray, Vince Gill, and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, and spawned an acclaimed special for Palladia (now known as MTV Live). At this year’s Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, beyond his Hall & Oates set, John will be playing on-stage with Miguel and The Arcade Fire’s Win Butler. Meanwhile, John’s musical partner Daryl leads his own notable solo career, while hosting the TV series Live From Daryl’s House and operating the Daryl’s House Club restaurant and venue in Pawling, New York.

In advance of the Feb. 19 show at MSG, I had the honor of conducting some Q&A over e-mail with John. For more info on Daryl, John and their various projects, click on over to www.hallandoates.com.

JO 04.jpg Eppting

Where was the first gig that you ever played in New York City? Do you remember anything about the show?


John Oates: Technically, it was at my uncle’s wedding at The Brass Rail on Broadway when I was six years old. But backing up Daryl with The Temptones at The Village Gate in 1968 would be more accurate.

At what point in your career did you play Madison Square Garden for the first time?

J: I can’t remember if it was the mid-1970s, but we played MSG a few times in the ’80s.

Have you ever attended an event at MSG as a fan or spectator?

J: Yes.

Is there a professional accomplishment of yours that you’re most proud of? 

J: Surviving and still having a career with Daryl, as well as a solo career.

Daryl and John - credit Mick Rock

One of my favorite albums from a few years back was the Hall & Oates covers album made by The Bird & The Bee. Did you know about that album while it was being made?

J: Yes. I thought they did a great job and I got to perform with them in L.A. and also at the Aspen Songwriters Festival.

Once this tour has wrapped, what’s ahead for Hall & Oates?

J: The tour hasn’t been “wrapped” since 1972, so I assume I’ll keep going for a while longer.

I had the pleasure of being in the studio when you performed “Lose It In Louisiana” on VH1’s Big Morning Buzz Live. Do you have any plans for another solo album?

J: Not right now. I’m writing a lot for other people and am planning on releasing a Christmas single next year.

A few years back, I remember seeing a trailer for a cartoon – I believe created by Evan Duby — in which Dave Attell provided the voice of your moustache. Is there any chance that J-Stache may ever see the light of day?

J: I doubt it.

Are there any living heroes or inspirations of yours that you haven’t yet collaborated with and still hope to?

J: There are so many gifted artists, young and old, that I would love to work with. I just keep an open mind and let things happen naturally.

I hear you split your time between Nashville and Colorado. What is it that keeps you living in those places rather than New York, Los Angeles or Philadelphia?

J: Once I moved from New York City in the late ’80s, I moved to the mountains of Colorado and built a home and raised a family there. When our son went off to school, we moved to a city pad in Nashville so I could be part of the world’s greatest music community.

When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

J: I work out and ride my road bike or hike. I enjoy driving my tractor and my sports cars.

Finally, John, any last words for the kids?

J: Don’t fuck up.

-by Darren Paltrowitz

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