John Oates Speaks, But Not About His Daryl Hall Legal Issues

Photo of Hall & OatesMichael Ochs Archives/Getty Image

John Oates has issued a social media statement calling for empathy, but avoiding the main issue of the moment: why he and longtime collaborator Daryl Hall are engaged in litigation.

The 75-year-old posted a Thanksgiving selfie Thursday, offering a message calling for worldwide understanding.

“During this time of communal reflection and connection with loved ones, let’s not forget those experiencing challenges globally,” Oates wrote. He asked for a “more compassionate and supportive world.”

The 77-year-old Hall is suing Oates and has been granted a restraining order against his longtime bandmate. Although the legal documents are sealed, reports indicate their dispute is over which songs Oates will be allowed to sing during his solo appearances, an apparent sore point for Hall, who was the chief songwriter on most of the duo’s hits.

Hall and Oates formed the duo Philadelphia in 1970. During their peak years of 1974-91 as Hall & Oates, the pair reached the U.S. Top 40 with 29 of their 33 singles charting on Billboard’s Hot 100. Six of the singles reached No. 1: “Rich Girl” (1977), “Kiss on My List” (1980), the two 1981 releases “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)”, “Maneater” (1982) and “Out of Touch” (1984). Seven of their albums have been RIAA-certified platinum and six others gold.