Hall & Oates display their timeless magic at sold-out Pacific Amphitheatre

Daryl Hall, left, and John Oates in Costa Mesa on Aug. 8. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

I have long been a fan of Hall & Oates, whose blend of rock, soul, pop and folk have influenced several generations of players and pleased countless millions of fans. As long-time readers know, I consider it an embarrassment that the popular and groundbreaking duo is not in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.  More than 40 years after the release of their first album, the Philadelphia-spawned twosome remain a top concert act as evidenced by the full house who caught their show at the Pacific Amphitheatre at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California on Aug. 8, 2013.

Daryl Hall and John Oates came to the O.C. armed with a talented six-member backing band (whose players are well known thanks to the popular Live From Daryl's House TV series) and proceeded to perform electrifying versions of their biggest hits as well as some early gems more than worth rediscovery across a fast-paced 80 minutes of music making. 

Daryl Hall in action. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Opening with the number one hit "Out of Touch," the performance cast a light on Hall's shining vocal powers and provided choice moments for Oates to offer up some nice lead work on his electric guitar. The follow-up, a rollicking take on their early '80s cover of Mike Oldfield's "Family Man," allowed Oates to really fire up his fretwork and further generated momentum with the 7,500 or so on hand.

Oates sang lead on the "How Does It Feel to Be Back?" (the power pop-tinged nugget originally on 1980's Voices) and the duo shared vocals on the rock jazz classic "Las Vegas Turnaround" (one of the highlights on 1973's Abandoned Luncheonette) but the rest of the night was focused squarely on the pair's biggest chart toppers. 

No matter the song, the duo's distinctive harmonies and unique brand of soul shone bright. Orange County Register writer George A. Paul has a more in-depth review of the show that you can see here.

Set list: Daryl Hall & John Oates at Pacific Amphitheatre on Aug. 8, 2013

Main set: Out of Touch / Family Man / Say It Isn't So / How Does It Feel to Be Back? / Las Vegas Turnaround / She's Gone / Sara Smile / Maneater / I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)

First encore: Rich Girl / You Make My Dreams

Second encore: Kiss on My List / Private Eyes