Daryl Hall at Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo –
Less the Perfectionist, Still Irresistibly Charming

★★★★☆ (4/5)

**DARYL HALL PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S SEC ARMADILLO**
**PHOTOCREDIT: BAZZA MILLS**

At nearly 80 years old, Daryl Hall might not be chasing perfection like he once did, but in Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo last night, he proved that charm, charisma, and musical instinct still run deep in his veins.

Hall first shot to fame as one half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates, alongside John Oates. Together they created an enduring catalogue of hits that defined soft rock and blue-eyed soul throughout the '70s and '80s. But in 2023, cracks in the duo’s legacy surfaced publicly when a legal dispute revealed a deep personal rift. Now clearly pursuing his Daryl's House path, Hall’s performance in Glasgow was part celebration, part reinvention, and all heart.

Opening with “Maneater,” Hall’s voice sounded weathered, almost chewed up—but in a way that felt perfectly aligned with the grit and cynicism of the lyrics. Where he once aimed for slick delivery and studio polish, this version leaned into its imperfections. It was raw, honest, and, oddly enough, refreshing. That theme continued through “Private Eyes,” where Hall flubbed a few lyrics and briefly lost his footing. But rather than falter, he was buoyed by his exceptional band, turning the moment into one of human connection rather than performance failure.

Though his voice may not soar like it once did, Hall hasn’t lost his songwriting magic. Tracks like “Can’t Say No to You” and “Walking Through Raindrops” from his recent material were among the most tightly delivered of the evening. These songs showed a different Hall—more introspective, perhaps, but still capable of crafting instantly catchy tunes with emotional bite.

The stage was filled with top-tier musicians who elevated the entire performance. Notably, long-time collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Charles DeChant stole several moments on saxophone and flute, his solos filled with flair and finesse. DeChant’s presence felt like a direct thread back to the duo’s golden era, bridging the past and present beautifully.

There was one jarring moment of banter when Hall mentioned being unable to afford a pool—an oddly tone-deaf comment given the cost-of-living pressures facing many in the crowd. It landed awkwardly, and while Hall didn’t dwell on it, the offhand remark slightly punctured the otherwise warm rapport he had built throughout the night.

Still, he closed the main set on a high with a stunningly soulful rendition of “Every Time You Go Away,” followed by a jubilant “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do).” Hall’s energy was palpable, and so was the crowd’s affection.

The encore brought an unexpected delight: Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook joined Hall onstage, and together they led a rollicking, musically rich finale. It was a joyful mess of voices, instruments, and shared reverence for songcraft—a fitting end to a night that celebrated experience over polish, and emotion over perfection.

Daryl Hall may be changing with age, but his musical spirit remains sharp, playful, and deeply loved.