Zak Starkey Addresses Departure from The Who: "Surprised and Saddened"

Table of Contents

1. The News That Shocked Fans
2. The Drumming Controversy
3. A Legacy of Performance and Impact
4. Band Response and Moving Forward
5. Starkey's Personal Journey and Future Aspirations
6. Why was Zak Starkey let go from The Who?
7. How long did Zak Starkey play with The Who?
8. What are Zak Starkey's future plans?
9. What was the band’s response to Starkey's departure?
10. What health issues has Roger Daltrey faced?

Key Highlights

• Zak Starkey's Statement: After nearly 30 years as The Who's drummer, Starkey expressed his shock and sadness regarding his departure from the band, following a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Performance Controversy: The decision appeared to stem from lead singer Roger Daltrey's frustration with Starkey's drumming during recent shows, leading to a collective decision by the band members to part ways.
• Future Plans: Starkey plans to focus on his family, upcoming music projects, and his autobiography.

Introduction

When one thinks of legendary rock bands, few names resonate as deeply as The Who. With a history spanning over five decades and an extensive catalogue that defines the rock genre, their lineup changes often stir significant ripple effects in the music world. On April 16, 2025, Zak Starkey, the band's drummer for nearly three decades, shared with fans and followers his feelings following his unexpected departure from the iconic British rock group. It isn’t often that a musician associated with a band as storied as The Who states he is "surprised and saddened" by developments in the band; however, that is the sentiment Starkey conveyed shortly after news broke regarding his exit from a group many consider to be family.

The News That Shocked Fans

Starkey's statement came in the wake of a series of concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, part of the Teenage Cancer Trust charity initiative. Reports suggested his drumming had become a point of contention, particularly for Daltrey, who allegedly expressed issues with Starkey’s playing during the performances. This context set the stage for a dramatic shift in The Who’s dynamic.

The Drumming Controversy

The British rock scene has its share of legendary drummers, but Starkey is uniquely positioned as the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, which has added both stature and scrutiny to his performances. According to reports, Daltrey struggled during recent shows to hear his own vocals over Starkey’s drumming, leading to a number of uncomfortable moments on stage. "To sing that song, I do need to hear the key," Daltrey allegedly remarked during the performance, emphasizing his struggle to stay in tune against the booming drums. Such frustration not only affected that performance but also reflected a broader tension within the band's long-standing camaraderie.

Starkey later admitted shock at the idea that his drumming was found fault with after decades of working together. “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?” Starkey shared in a reflective tone that hinted at a deeper disappointment.

A Legacy of Performance and Impact

In this context, Starkey’s tenure with The Who deserves recognition. He first joined the band in 1996 during a reunion tour, gracefully stepping into the shoes of the band’s original drummer, Keith Moon, who was a close family friend. Filling an iconic role while also carrying the weight of familial legacy, Starkey's performance has been characterized by both versatility and passion.

His experience with the band goes beyond merely keeping time; he brought freshness to their classic material while contributing to the creation of new sounds, ultimately evolving The Who’s identity over the years. This background makes the recent performance-related fallout particularly poignant, raising questions about creative differences and the future of the group.

Band Response and Moving Forward

Following Starkey's public statement and acknowledgment of his firing, a representative for The Who clarified that the decision to part ways was mutual, reflecting admiration for Starkey’s contributions and well-wishes for his future. Yet, the abrupt nature of these developments has left many fans and industry insiders pondering the implications of his departure, not just for Starkey but for The Who as well.

This moment raises the possibility of how the band will transition moving forward. With Daltrey expressing troubles with not only his hearing but also other health issues, the potential for further lineup changes seems imminent.

Starkey's Personal Journey and Future Aspirations

During this time of transition, Starkey conveyed a sentiment of love and gratitude towards his former bandmates, stating, “29 years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.” Such remarks resonate deeply, reflecting the personal touchstones that relationships within long-standing rock bands often embody. Recognizing the need for self-care, Starkey expressed plans to take time off with his family, an essential aspect of life often sidelined in the tumultuous world of rock 'n' roll.

Furthermore, Starkey is set to focus on his career outside of The Who. Upcoming projects include the release of “Domino Bones” with his new supergroup, Mantra of the Cosmos, alongside Noel Gallagher. Additionally, Starkey is working on his autobiography, a prospective insight into both his life and his storied musical career.

FAQ

Why was Zak Starkey let go from The Who?

The decision to part ways with Zak Starkey was reportedly due to tensions regarding his drumming during performances in March 2025, where lead singer Roger Daltrey experienced difficulties in hearing his own vocals over Starkey’s playing.

How long did Zak Starkey play with The Who?

Zak Starkey played with The Who for nearly 30 years, having joined the band in 1996. He became known for his dynamic performance style and was the first to step into the shoes of the original drummer Keith Moon.

What are Zak Starkey's future plans?

Zak Starkey plans to focus on spending time with his family, finishing his autobiography, and promoting his new album "Domino Bones" with Mantra of the Cosmos.

What was the band’s response to Starkey's departure?

The Who released a statement confirming that the decision to part ways was made collectively and emphasized their admiration for Starkey's contributions to the band.

What health issues has Roger Daltrey faced?

Roger Daltrey has previously spoken about his struggles with hearing and eyesight, indicating ongoing challenges that may influence the band's performances going forward.

Zak Starkey's departure from The Who serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics of musical collaboration, where the interplay of ego, artistry, and health can shape the trajectories of even the most successful bands. As he contemplates the next chapter in his career, Starkey leaves behind a substantial legacy, one that reflects not just the rhythms he has played, but also the relationships he has shaped throughout an incredible journey in rock history.