In a recent interview, Roger Daltrey, the iconic lead singer and co-founder of The Who, addressed the surprising dismissal of the band’s longtime drummer, Zak Starkey. This decision, stemming from a “complete misunderstanding,” has left many puzzled, particularly since Starkey had been with the band since 1996.
The situation unfolded after a performance at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year, when Starkey was initially fired, then rehired, only to be let go again. Daltrey clarified that the incident began with a mixing error involving the band’s electronic drum setup which is crucial for him to hear through his monitors. He described the chaos during the performance, stating, “I was pointing to the bass drum and screaming at him because it was like flying a plane without seeing the horizon.” Daltrey emphasized that he was not directing any hostility towards Starkey but rather addressing technical difficulties.
The aftermath of the event left Starkey feeling unjustly criticized, leading him to assert, “what happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong.” Daltrey, deeply affected by Starkey’s comments, referred to them as “kind of a character assassination” and found the whole experience “incredibly upsetting.”
When asked about the peculiar sequence of Starkey’s rehiring and subsequent firing, Daltrey remarked on the dynamic within the band, stating, “Pete and I retain the right to be the Who. Everyone else is a session player. You can’t replace Keith Moon,” hinting at the band’s desire to explore new directions while recognizing the irreplaceable nature of their original members.
This situation showcases the complexities of maintaining long-standing collaborations in the music industry, especially when miscommunication can lead to significant misunderstandings. Despite the challenges they face, Daltrey’s emphasis on continuing to shape The Who’s identity suggests a hopeful path forward for the band.
The journey of The Who continues to captivate fans, and with each challenge, the band adapts and evolves while staying true to their legacy.