Daryl Hall knows a thing or two about "Maneaters," but we're guessing he wasn't ready to have a tick tear into his flesh this summer.
But the taller, blond half of Hall and Oates is citing said deer tick, specifically the potentially debilitating Lyme disease that such critters cause, as the reason behind the cancellation of all the band's July shows, including stops in Los Angeles and San Diego.
In what will go down in the annals of music history as one of the odder excuses for postponing concerts, a publicist for the 55-year-old singer said Hall had suffered a tick bite and, subsequently, the first major signs of Lyme disease--a bull's-eye shaped rash and flu-like symptoms.
Lyme disease usually strikes outdoorsy types in the Northeast. If caught early, the illness can be treated with antibiotics. If not, Lyme disease can cause serious damage--from arthritis to neurological problems to encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain inflammation. About 16,000 cases are reported annually in the United States.
No word on exactly how the urbane Philly-born Hall came in contact with the infected tick, but the blue-eyed soulster is expected to make a full recovery. He is currently convalescing at his home in upstate New York, according to a statement from his publicist.
"We are so sorry to disappoint our fans, but we promise to make it up to them," Hall said in the release. "This illness made it impossible for me to give my best effort to our audience, but now that it's been identified, I'm looking forward to a complete, quick recovery and to get back out there with John as soon as possible."
Hall is expected to be better in time to rejoin mustachioed partner John Oates for concert dates in August and September.
Best known for a string of hits in the '70s and '80s, including "Maneater," "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)," "Rich Girl," "Private Eyes" and "Kiss on My List," Hall and Oates continue to tour heavily. Their most recent album, Our Kind of Soul, dropped last October.