The Who Parts Ways With Drummer Zak Starkey (Again)

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The Who and their drummer Zak Starkey have seemingly parted ways… again.

Just yesterday, I was thrilled to learn that Ringo Starr’s son, who used to be with The Who, decided to part ways with the band once more. This news comes after Pete Townshend, our guitarist-songwriter, announced their separation last month, only to reunite a short while later. Now, they’re calling it quits again, as shared on Instagram yesterday.

Following decades of impressive drumming by Zak, it’s now time for something fresh,” Townshend penned. “It’s a bittersweet moment. Zak is embarking on numerous upcoming ventures, and I hope he finds success in all his endeavors.”

“After years of stellar drumming by Zak, it’s now time for a fresh start,” Townshend wrote. “It’s a mixed feeling. Zak has plenty of new projects ahead, and I wish him the very best as he embarks on this next chapter.

Nevertheless, Starkey, who has been The Who’s drummer since their 1996 Quadrophenia tour, quickly took to social media, asserting that he was requested to state his departure from the rock band as his own choice this time. However, he emphasized that such a statement would be untrue.

Two weeks following my reinstatement, I was let go and requested to falsely claim that I had left the band to pursue other musical ventures. This would be untrue as I adore the band and never would have quit. Consequently, I didn’t make the statement. Leaving the band also would have disappointed countless individuals who supported me during the chaotic weeks of my coming and going like a relentless squeeze box.”

“I was fired just two weeks after being reinstated in the band, and I was asked to say that I had quit for other musical pursuits. This wasn’t true; I love the band too much to leave. So I didn’t make such a statement. Furthermore, leaving would have disappointed many people who stood by me during the tumultuous weeks of my constant comings and goings like an unyielding toy squeeze box.

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Around mid-April, The Who made public that Starkey is no longer part of the group due to a dispute that occurred during their performance at Royal Albert Hall in March. Their representative described this as a joint decision to move on from each other.

A short while later, Townshend posted on Instagram that Starkey had returned. He explained that there were certain private and personal matters that required resolution, which have now been resolved amicably. Roger and I requested Zak to refine his current drumming style to fit our less orchestral setup, a request he willingly accepted. I acknowledge some of the misunderstandings that occurred. Nevertheless, it seems that Starkey’s return was brief.

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2025-05-18 23:24