After nearly three decades with The Who, Zak Starkey has been ousted from the band. Here's a look at what happened, what he has said, and what's next for the acclaimed drummer.
- Apr 17, 2025
AceShowbiz - Drummer Zak Starkey has shared his sentiments after his recent and unexpected departure from The Who, a legendary rock band he has been an integral part of for almost thirty years. Starkey, who joined the group for the first time in 1996 for their Quadrophenia Tour, stated he was "surprised and saddened" by the band's decision to part ways with him.
The fallout reportedly occurred following two performances in March at London's Royal Albert Hall, aimed at raising funds for lead singer Roger Daltrey's charity, Teenage Cancer Trust.
Issues was said to arise regarding Starkey's drumming, with insiders noting that the standard "wasn't as high as everyone wanted." Daltrey himself addressed the audience during the March 30 show, "To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can't. All I've got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can't sing to that. I'm sorry guys."
This complaint came after the vocalist made an unexpected revelation during the March 27 concert, disclosing that he was "slowly going deaf and blind."
Daltrey was not the only member with health issue. Starkey recounted a health scare earlier this year that might have contributed to the band's concerns. "In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf," he said before adding, "This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running."
Reflecting on his tenure, Starkey, the son of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, expressed immense pride, noting that playing for The Who while filling in for his "Godfather, 'Uncle Keith' " Moon, who died in 1978, was a great honor. "They've been like family to me," he stated.
Starkey plans to use this unexpected time off to focus on personal projects, including releasing a new album with his other band, Mantra of the Cosmos, and completing his autobiography. "Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best," he wrote.
In their statement, a representative for The Who emphasized that Daltrey and Pete Townshend had "nothing but admiration" for Starkey and "wish him the very best for his future."
Rumors are also circulating about a possible reunion tour for Oasis, with whom Starkey has previously played. This could see the drummer hitting the road again soon, bringing his signature beats to a new audience.
