Solomon
In a surprising turn of events, legendary rock band The Who has reportedly parted ways with longtime drummer Zak Starkey.
Known for his powerful drumming and musical pedigree as the son of Beatles icon Ringo Starr, Starkey has been an essential part of The Who’s touring and recording ensemble for nearly three decades.
However, recent tensions behind the scenes—and on stage—have brought that era to an abrupt end.
The Fallout at Royal Albert Hall
The reported incident that triggered the fallout occurred during a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March 2025.
During the final song of the night, frontman Roger Daltrey paused mid-performance and openly criticized the drumming.
He remarked, “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.”
The remark, delivered in front of a live audience, shocked fans and reportedly marked the breaking point in an already strained relationship.
Aftermath and Public Reaction
Soon after the performance, sources close to the band confirmed that Zak Starkey had been dismissed.
While official representatives framed the decision as mutual and respectful, the mood on social media suggested otherwise.
Starkey himself appeared to respond via Instagram with a cryptic post that included a photo of him and Daltrey, accompanied by a caption hinting at inner conflict and disappointment.
A History with The Who
Zak Starkey first joined The Who in 1996 for their Quadrophenia tour and quickly became a fan favorite.
His drumming style, heavily influenced by The Who’s original drummer Keith Moon, earned him respect among the band’s loyal following.
Moon, in fact, was a close family friend and gave Starkey his first drum kit at the age of eight.
Over the years, Starkey helped carry the band through major tours, albums, and global performances.
Starkey’s Career Beyond The Who
Outside of The Who, Zak Starkey has built an impressive career of his own.
He’s performed with Oasis, the Lightning Seeds, Johnny Marr, and is currently part of the supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos.
His talent and versatility have made him one of the most sought-after drummers in rock.
What’s Next for The Who and Starkey?
The departure of Zak Starkey leaves a significant gap in The Who’s live setup and overall dynamic.
While Daltrey and Pete Townshend have yet to publicly confirm their future touring or recording plans, fans are eager to see who might step into the role.
As for Starkey, his next chapter could be just as impactful—if not more so—as he focuses on new projects and collaborations.
Conclusion
The end of Zak Starkey’s tenure with The Who marks the close of a major chapter in the band’s modern legacy.
Whether the split was truly mutual or rooted in deeper personal tensions, one thing is clear—Starkey’s contributions helped shape The Who’s sound for nearly 30 years.
Now, both the band and the drummer appear to be moving forward on separate paths, leaving fans watching closely to see what comes next.
Charles Esther