If you’re from the Philadelphia area, you probably know about the local ties of Hall & Oates. Daryl Hall and John Oates both attended Temple University in North Philadelphia, and they became one of the most successful local music stories in the city’s history. However, that wasn’t enough for Charlie Kelly to know their names in Season 3 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In a way that only Rob McElhenney (Mac) and Charlie Day (Charlie) can pull off, they made one of the more original jokes you’ll ever hear about the legendary local duo.
Always Sunny and Hall & Oates
Charlie is one of the only characters from Always Sunny with a kind spirit, but he certainly isn’t the smartest guy in the world. You never know what to expect from someone who sleeps in the same bad as his possibly illegitimate father and bathes in the Logan Square Fountain to steal loose change.
One of Charlie’s most unforgettable mistakes came during a conversation about Hall & Oates. When Mac and Charlie decide to start a Rock & Roll band, they need to talk about their influences.
Mac wants a Sex Pistols or Gun N’ Roses vibe. He sees himself as the Sid Vicious to Charlie’s Johnny Rotten or the Slash to his Axel. Charlie sees himself as the Simon to Mac’s Garfunkel. The disagreement then takes an unexpected turn.
“I’m Holland Oates. You’re like Peter Gabriel.” -Charlie
When Mac questions the pronunciation, Charlie defends himself with an absurd explanation. You’ll never be able to erase the Always Sunny scene from your memory any time you hear the name “Hall & Oates” spoken out loud.
“Holland is his first name, and Oates is his last name.” -Charlie
Has he ever heard “Rich Girl,” “Sara Smile,” or “She’s Gone?” After all, he had never eaten a pear in his life before the gang visited the Italian Market in Season 5.
Charlie meant well in his conversation about musical influences. He just might not have the talent to make it in the industry.
“This is huge for me. I’ve always wanted to do this. This is a big deal. I’ve just always been afraid that people are going to boo me or they’re going to hate me. It’s why I’ve never pursued my dreams, man.” -Charlie