It’s not too often a band can claim to be as successful today as it was more than 40 years ago, but that’s just what Daryl Hall and John Oates have done.
It has been more than four decades since the successful duo hit the Billboard Hot 100 with “Rich Girl,” the first of six chart topping singles, including “Kiss On My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” “Maneater,” and “Out of Touch.”
With an online series “Live from Daryl’s House” that launched in 2007 featuring a well-known musician each episode (think ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Cheap Trick, Kenny Loggins and Wyclef Jean) playing music with Hall and bandmates and a summer tour with Train on the horizon, Hall seems more satisfied than ever where he is in his career.
Photo Credit: Stuart Berg
The lead vocalist chatted with us (from where we can only assume was Daryl’s famous house) about his web series featuring artists jamming in his house, the secret to his continued success with John Oates and what he’s most looking forward to when touring with Train this summer.
Your show “Live from Daryl’s House” has spanned more than a decade. Did you ever think it would be this popular when you launched it?
I was hoping it would be. It was one of those things that built on itself. I was the first person to choose the internet as a format. It was a chance to be free and without TV network people telling me what to do. I had a feeling the intimacy would connect to people. I feel it has been the best thing I have ever done in my career.
Who have been some of your most memorable guests?
Every show is an experience. A lot of people I had never met before so you never know how things are going to work out. I have personal favorites like Smokey Robinson, The O’Jays, Todd Rundgren and Pat Monahan of Train.
You have had everyone from Sammy Hagar to Aaron Neville on “Live from Daryl’s House.” Anyone you would like to see on the show?
I was trying to get David Bowie on the show, but he was too sick at the time. That’s one, who really comes to mind as a missed opportunity.
How did it feel to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014?
It is nice to be included. We were a part of the golden age of modern music. To look at it a historical way continuing up to the 90s, there was an artistic revolution happening in music. We are glad to be included.
Why do you think it took so long?
As with everything, it’s very political.
Photo Credit: Mick Rock
When you started out with John Oates, you had a unique ability to combine rock, soul and folk music. Do you think that was the secret to the band’s success?
The arc of my music career has been sort of unusual. People are finally perceiving me, and John to some degree, of what I am as an artist. The media had a misconception, but people are seeing me now as I am.
It has been more than 40 years since “Rich Girl” topped the Billboard Hot 100. Tell us what inspires you to keep going.
Life. I’m an artist. Artists won’t stop being artists. That’s how you perceive the world. Just ask any artist and they will tell you the same thing.
What appealed to you most about hitting the road with the band Train?
I love singing with Pat (Monahan) and I found that out on the TV show. I asked him right away and Train was available. It’s as simple as that. We are going to have a lot of fun on tour together.
You’re coming to Massachusetts this summer. Any favorite places you like to check out while you are in town?
I have been to Boston so many times. I live in Connecticut now and used to be in Maine. I’m a history person and have an affinity for antique architecture and New England is full of it.
(Daryl Hall and John Oates will be touring with Train this summer (catch them at the Xfinity Center on June 7).
