Daryl Hall and John Oates have nothing left to prove. They have solidified their place in the history of popular music and sold more albums than any other duo, garnering 13 gold and platinum albums along the way. So why are they still touring after all these years? After seeing this show I would say because they still fucking love it.
It’s my third time seeing Hall & Oates in just the past few years, but my first at the legendary Greek Theatre in Berkeley. I was in the middle of the crowd at the sound board getting set up to photograph the band when the sound guy leans over with a message. “I need to squeeze in a few seats for a VIP” he says to me. There is probably enough room for one chair, but somehow he manages to make three fit comfortably. This is arguably the best place in the house to watch the show so I immediately wonder who the VIP is?
Seconds later I see the Red Rocker Sammy Hagar being escorted to the seats. I have two camera bodies on monopods attached to massive lenses so I can’t really move so I do my best to make way.
Sammy literally sits right next to me as the capacity crowd starts to figure out he’s there. This has to be one of the coolest guys on the planet by the way, because he was so nice to the fans that frantically asked for photos while telling him stories of how his music changed their life. While I’m a huge fan myself, I didn’t bother the legendary rocker, as I was too excited to see the band that changed my life.
I must have listened to Rock and Soul Part II a billion times growing up and I continue to celebrate that masterpiece to this day. Apparently the entire hipster community has finally caught on as well. In fact, one of their leaders, Killers front-man Brandon Flowers recently said in an interview, that “Everything you need to know about writing a hit song, it’s in ‘Rich Girl.'” That’s quite an endorsement, and while I don’t credit that statement with the resurgence in Hall & Oates’ popularity, it certainly didn’t hurt.
For their annual pilgrimage to Northern California, the duo delivered a stellar set to the sold out crowd at the renowned Berkeley Theatre, modeled in classic Greek architecture. The crowd was a mix of longtime fans and the aforementioned city-dwelling hipsters who have likely just begun their celebration of the two 60-something legends.
Opening the set with a prowling version of their massive hit “Maneater” was the perfect way to take the crowd back to that familiar sound from the ’80s. Keeping true to the song’s roots, it was tweaked just enough that it translated remarkably well, sounding as if it were released just yesterday.
The remainder of the setlist for the night featured all the hits you know and love: “Sarah Smile,” “Rich Girl,” “Out of Touch,” and an amazing, extended jam of “I Can’t Go For That.” Returning to the stage twice in response to standing ovations, the band came out to finish the night with the epic-ness of “You Make My Dreams Come True,” and finally “Kiss on My List,” into “Private Eyes.” Hall and Oates delivered a flawless performance and proved that they are truly a one of a kind, timeless group.
Oh, on my way out of the photo area for the night I did stop to ask Sammy Hagar one quick question, “What’s your favorite Hall & Oates song?” Sammy enthusiastically replied, “Maneater—they already hit that.” Well played Mr. Hagar. Well played.
Check out hi res photos from the Hall & Oates show in the gallery here.
