Hall & Oates | Do What You Want, Be What You Are

Four months later, and I am still reeling from catching Hall & Oates live. The duo appeared at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City on September 8 as part of the “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” tour. I was dying to see them, praying to finally hear a favorite band in person, which is now somewhat of a rare opportunity. Not only was I anxious to hear them live, but deeply yearned to share their music with my lovely lady. The concert was drawing near, and sadly we had no tickets. 

I arrived home one evening, and Courtney gave me a grocery sack with two massive bags of Mike & Ike’s—my favorite sugary candy—and I was thrilled about her purchase. She giggled and told me to look in the bottom. I reached back inside and to my amazement pulled out two tickets—Plaza 6, Row L, Seats 17 and 18. My eyes were as big as ever. I was awe-struck, caught with emotion. It was the sweetest surprise I could ever imagine.

Our printer-friendly version of the tickets (they would not scan at the gate, so we
visited the box office and still received our hard copies)

The setting was impeccable. It was one of those perfect nostalgic evenings I wish could last forever. It was our first trip to Starlight, and we were astounded. The Theatre is stunning and impressive, and there is not a bad seat in the house. And the atmosphere—the weather and with the sun setting—was one designed only for movie making.

View of the stage from our Plaza 6 seats

Everyone was hungry for some rock and soul; we were all on our feet as the band hit the stage and onward throughout the night. They opened hot with “Maneater” and never simmered. The sounds were savory, their voices and instruments crisp, inspiring and tranquil. Better than on album, I always say. No record could ever truly capture the mellifluous tones of a live Hall & Oates concert.

SETLIST
Maneater, Family Man, Out of Touch, Say It Isn’t So, How Does It Feel to Be Back, When the Morning Comes, Las Vegas Tournaround, She’s Gone, Sara Smile, I Can’t Go For That, Rich Girl, You Make My Dreams, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes

The 90-minute set included two encores, but we still did not want to go home. Afterwards, Courtney and I sat in the parking lot while some of the older couples who were tailgating blasted their favorite tunes from their car stereos. We were overly energetic the entire ride back to Lawrence, singing, laughing and already reminiscing.

Courtney showing off her event tee

Every time a Hall & Oates song randomly plays, we are taken right back to that cherished moment. But, the one we always love hearing together—“She’s Gone,” which was originally released on their 1973 album Abandoned Luncheonette and as a single in 1974. It was later remixed and re-released in 1976 as a popular radio version that helped catapult their careers.