A breakup is hard – just ask Daryl Hall
Popology Lessons by Kris Fisher
Most of us have been through a breakup and there are a million and one songs about them. Sometimes a good breakup song helps. Sometimes it doesn’t. Still, they’re there for us when we need them. A current favorite of mine is “The Door” by Teddy Swims.
Tonight I saved my life/When I showed you the door
Powerful. Teddy sure has a way with lyrics.
I’m often amazed by how ugly breakups can be. After all, this is usually a person that you once felt a close affinity for. This was your person, that someone you wanted to do everything with and would do anything for. They were your comfort zone, your safe space, your happiness.
Then, one day and somehow, that affinity turns into animosity.
In a perfect world, we would all be mature enough to recognize the signs of a relationship faltering and, in the words of comedian Dane Cook, say “So, I guess we’re done here, right?” and split ways amicably.
I’ve actually had breakups that went that smoothly, believe it or not. However, I’ve also been told to die a fiery death. I guess it’s all about balance.
Sure, there are unique factors involved in every breakup. Maybe there was a betrayal of some sort. Lies, infidelity, conflict, abuse, and general disagreements can all cloud our judgement and influence our behavior. Still, the potential for discord amazes me.
Hall & Oates is one of the most successful music duos in history. The pair – who penned for the classic breakup song “She’s Gone” – had one of the ugliest, most public breakups ever. Before that, their partnership had seemed beautiful, founded in the early 70s and built on a mutual love for the soul music coming out of their hometown of Philadelphia.
They performed together for 50 years and their extensive repertoire included 18 studio albums, six of which went platinum with six Number One hits and numerous Top 10s.
But now, after some significant disagreements and litigation, they can’t be in the same room together – legally. Daryl Hall filed a restraining order against John Oates last year. The details have been mostly private, but Hall said Oates committed the “ultimate partnership betrayal” when he tried to sell his part of their joint business venture without first consulting him first.
Fans, of course, hate to see this happen. But they’re hardly the first group to break up, leaving fans longing for the good old days. (I’m looking at you, Led Zeppelin.) We do still get to enjoy the music. Hall has been hosting an extremely popular YouTube series, which eventually became a television show, called “Live from Daryl’s House” since 2007. He welcomes other legendary musicians, including Smokey Robinson, Cee-Lo Green, and Augusta’s own Sharon Jones, to perform. It has produced some really spectacular performances. He even had John Oates on his show – before the falling out.
Now, Hall is bringing his show to us with special guest Howard Jones, who recently appeared on “Daryl’s House.” They will be performing at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 16. If you’ve ever seen an episode of “Live from Daryl’s House,” you understand what a treat this is. Hall is now a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and is performing music with as much style, verve, and talent as ever. It’ll be a night of amazing music from a living legend.
Bring that special someone – before you break up.
WHAT: Daryl Hall with special guest Howard Jones
WHEN: 7:30 P.M. Saturday, November 16
WHERE: Columbia County Performing Arts Center, 1000 Market Street, Evans, Georgia
COST: $59.50-$189.50. For t