After nearly three decades behind the drum kit for The Who, Zak Starkey has officially parted ways with the legendary rock band. The decision, first reported by The Independent, is described by a representative of Starkey as a “typical rock and roll falling out,” signaling tensions that had reportedly been building within the group.
The split reportedly stems from Starkey’s performance during The Who’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in March. A spokesperson for the band confirmed the departure, stating, “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows.”
Concert reviews hint at internal frustrations. Metro reported that frontman Roger Daltrey struggled to perform due to the overpowering drum volume. At one point, Daltrey paused the final song, “The Song Is Over,” to address the issue. “To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t,” he said. “All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry guys.”
Despite the incident, both Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend maintain a deep respect for Starkey’s musicianship. A spokesperson emphasized, “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
While the departure is framed publicly as mutual and amicable, other sources suggest tension. One insider told The Mirror the split was “a little acrimonious to say the least.” Starkey himself seemed to respond with some pointed commentary on Instagram before the news broke. In a “Daily Who Breaking News” caption, he sarcastically wrote about Daltrey allegedly being “unhappy with my performance at the Albert Hall,” and added that the frontman was “literally going to bring on a reserve.”
Hints of passive aggression and frustration were evident in the tone of the post, suggesting that Starkey was not entirely on board with the decision. The implication that his replacement was chosen without much empathy reflects his possible dismay after nearly 30 years with the band.
Following that, Starkey offered a more composed and reflective official statement to Rolling Stone. “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who,” he said. “Filling the shoes of my godfather, ‘Uncle Keith,’ has been the biggest honour and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.”
He also clarified a recent health scare. “In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running,” he explained.
Regarding the controversial performance, Starkey added, “After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do?”
Looking ahead, Starkey shared his immediate plans: “I plan to take some much-needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of Domino Bones by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May, and finishing my autobiography written solely by me.”
Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, began his journey with The Who in 1996 during the band’s Quadrophenia tour. Over the years, he’s also performed with Oasis, Johnny Marr, The Lightning Seeds, and of course, alongside his father.
While his time with The Who has now come to a close, Starkey’s impact on the band and legacy in rock history remain significant.
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