Hall & Oates play Chastain Park
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
For Gen Xers, Hall & Oates were a guilty pleasure imbued with white-boy soul, instantly hummable tunes and that oddly enthralling John Oates’ mustache.
But despite their success (29 top 40 hits), they never had the resonance or respect of their ’80s counterparts such as Prince, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Yet there they were in December on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” serenading the departure of Alan Colmes from “Hannity & Colmes” with a parody of “She’s Gone.”
Last month, the pair sang “Maneater” on “Dancing With the Stars.”
And ABC’s new dramedy “Cupid” featured a plotline revolving around — you guessed it — Hall & Oates.
What’s going on?
Lead singer Daryl Hall isn’t sure but their core fans, now in their 30s and 40s, are in positions of influence as critics and producers of TV shows. That’s helping keep them in the spotlight.
And many of the duo’s fans will be singing along to “Rich Girl” and “Out of Touch” Friday at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. We talk with Hall about his career.
On his relationship with John Oates: “We never separated. We are never completely together either. That’s the essence of Hall and Oates. We have individual lives and we share stages. That’s the way it’s been since we were 18 years old.”
On the tour: “It’s going to be more intimate. We’re going to mostly play acoustic guitars. We’re going to bring back some songs from our early days.”
On Hall’s monthly Web show “Live From Daryl’s House,” which features Hall playing with artists such as K.T. Tunstall at his home: “I’ve been collaborating with people for years as a way to step out of my comfort zone. And instead of going around the world to make my music, let’s bring the world to me.”
On Oates’ mystical mustache, which he actually got rid of in 1990: “I have no idea. Ask Bert Reynolds, not me!”
IN CONCERT
Hall & Oates
Chastain Park Amphitheatre
4469 Stella Dr., Atlanta GA
8 p.m. Friday, April 17
$33.50-$48.50
