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Zak Starkey Voices “Surprise and Sadness” Following Departure from The Who
Veteran drummer Zak Starkey has expressed his “surprise and sadness” in his first public comments since his departure from the celebrated rock band, The Who. The Hall of Fame musician reflected on his nearly three-decade tenure with the group, acknowledging his contributions and expressing well wishes for their future endeavors.
Starkey Reflects on Decades with Iconic Rock Group
“I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who,” Starkey stated. He further noted the significance of his role, adding, “Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor, and I remain their biggest fan.” Starkey’s reference was to Keith Moon, The Who’s original drummer, who passed away in 1978.
The drummer emphasized the familial bonds formed over time. “They’ve been like family to me,” he wrote. Starkey also addressed a recent health concern, explaining, “In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.”
Regarding his exit, Starkey conveyed his bewilderment, stating, “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?”
Reason for Starkey’s Exit from The Who
The 59-year-old musician, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, indicated he intends to utilize this transition as an opportunity for personal time. He mentioned plans to take some “much needed time off” with his family.
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Reports suggest that tensions arose between Starkey and The Who’s frontman Roger Daltrey, 81, and guitarist Pete Townshend, 79, following performances at the Royal Albert Hall in March. Sources indicate that Daltrey raised concerns about Starkey’s drumming during these charity concerts for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
According to an inside source, Daltrey felt there were “[a] few issues with the drumming… and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted.” Another report cited Daltrey’s perception that Starkey was “overplaying” during the performances.
Daltrey reportedly addressed the issue directly at the March 30 show, telling the audience, “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.”
Starkey’s Future Projects and Oasis Reunion Rumors
Starkey also outlined his forthcoming professional activities. He plans to concentrate on releasing a new album with his band Mantra Of The Cosmos, which includes Noel Gallagher of Oasis, and to finalize his autobiography.
Additionally, Starkey alluded to future possibilities, stating, “Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”
Potential Oasis Reunion Tour
Further fueling speculation, rumors have emerged regarding Starkey rejoining Oasis for their anticipated reunion tour, scheduled to commence in July in the UK. Oasis, featuring Liam and Noel Gallagher, is also set to bring their “Live ’25 Tour” to North America, beginning on August 24 with stadium concerts across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Notably, their North American leg includes a significant performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on Sunday, August 31, with Cage The Elephant as a special guest.