Musician Zak Starkey expressed his enduring love for the iconic rock band The Who, even as he finds himself parting ways with them for the second time this year. The 59-year-old drummer, who is also the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, confirmed via Instagram that he had been let go again, shortly after being reinstated due to previous “communication issues.”
In a joint announcement, The Who stated that after years of great contributions from Starkey, the time had come for a change, introducing drummer Scott Devours as his replacement for the remaining concerts of their farewell tour. Starkey, however, disputed the band’s assertion that he chose to depart, claiming he was asked to announce his own exit to focus on other projects, which he labeled as a “lie.” He emphasized, “I love The Who and would never have quit.”
Starkey’s tenure with The Who spans back to the mid-1990s, and he noted that his various musical engagements—having played with Oasis and the Icicle Works—never conflicted with his commitments to the band. He argued that the recent issues were a misunderstanding, and he remained committed to the band and its members. He called attention to the positive relationship they shared, noting that the band’s sporadic touring schedule had always allowed him to manage his other projects successfully.
In an additional Instagram post, The Who conveyed that the band is approaching retirement, suggesting that a younger drummer is needed to devote full energy to new ventures. Speaking to past complications, guitarist Pete Townshend mentioned in a blog post that sound difficulties had affected performance quality and underscored the need for better preparation moving forward. He acknowledged the challenges that arose quickly within the band dynamics but maintained a hopeful outlook on their relationship and future.
The Who is gearing up for their “Song Is Over” North America Farewell tour this August, with notable performances scheduled at the Hollywood Bowl in September. Despite the turbulence, both Starkey and The Who seem to part on amicable terms, with Starkey wishing them well as they transition into this new chapter of their legacy.
This situation highlights the complexities and emotional challenges faced by musicians within long-established bands. Despite the difficulties, both Starkey and The Who convey a sense of mutual respect and optimism for the future.