After decades as half of Montgomery County’s famous duo Hall & Oates, John Oates is returning home to play the Philadelphia Folk Festival, but as a solo act, writes Dan DeLuca for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Oates made headlines late last year when his rift with Daryl Hall went public amid a bitter legal battle. Today, he performs on his own.

Hall & Oates is “absolutely” finished, said Oates. “Fifty years is a long time to be together with anybody.”

The pair last published an album in 2003. They continued touring together, playing one of their final shows in 2009 at the Spectrum. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and launched the HoagieNation festival in 2017.

However, the festival failed to return in 2022 and the pair played their final show in October 2022.

Oates said he understands why Hall & Oates fans are disappointed.

“People are always heartbroken when a long-term relationship falls apart,” he said. “I understand people have a fondness for the memories they associate with the music they love and grew up with.”

But he also admits to enjoying his freedom.

“I’m having so much fun,” he said.

Read more about John Oates in The Philadelphia Inquirer.