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The Who Reportedly Part Ways With Drummer Zak Starkey
Iconic rock band The Who has reportedly ended its long-term collaboration with drummer Zak Starkey following a significant disagreement. Sources indicate the split occurred after recent performances.
Departure Follows Royal Albert Hall Shows
Frontman Roger Daltrey, 81, and guitarist Pete Townshend, 79, reportedly concluded their professional relationship with Starkey – son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr – after two performances at the Royal Albert Hall in March. A representative for The Who confirmed the parting to The Sun on Tuesday.
“The band collectively decided to separate from Zak following the shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” the spokesperson stated.
“They hold him in high regard and extend their best wishes for his future endeavors.”
The acclaimed rockers were allegedly “unhappy” with Starkey, 59, after the March 27 and 30 concerts benefiting Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity events were attended by notable figures, including actors Bill Murray, Sadie Frost, Tracy-Ann Oberman, and hypnotist Paul McKenna.
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“Acrimonious” Split After Performance Concerns
An insider familiar with the situation revealed to the Mirror that Starkey was allegedly surprised and saddened by his dismissal from the group.
“It’s somewhat contentious, to say the least,” the source informed the publication.
The source further elaborated that during the charity performances, Daltrey raised “issues” concerning Starkey’s drumming, suggesting it fell short of the band’s expected standards.
“[There were] a few issues with the drumming…and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone desired,” the source explained.
However, the source questioned the justification for Starkey’s dismissal based on just two performances.
“He is an exceptionally talented drummer, and it doesn’t quite add up,” the source conveyed to the Mirror.
Metro reported that Daltrey was allegedly displeased with Starkey’s “overplaying” during the late March gigs.
“To sing that song, I need to discern the key, and I can’t. All I hear are drums going boom, boom, boom. I cannot sing to that. I apologize, everyone,” Daltrey reportedly told the audience at the March 30 show, according to Metro.
Starkey’s Tenure and Health
The drummer’s reported exit from The Who comes after he experienced a blood clot in his leg in January, necessitating a brief hiatus from his other band, Mantra of the Cosmos, as reported by the Mirror.
Starkey had been The Who’s full-time drummer since 1996, having been introduced to fans during their Quadrophenia Tour.
He has performed with the band at several of their most significant performances in recent years, including the London 2012 Olympics and the 2010 Super Bowl.
Band Lineup Changes and Daltrey’s Health Concerns
Keith Moon, The Who’s original drummer, passed away in 1978 at age 32. John Entwistle, the band’s original bassist, died in 2002 at 57. Both deaths were linked to substance abuse.
Before joining The Who, Starkey also became a member of another prominent British band, Oasis, in 2004 after their drummer Alan White departed.
Starkey’s departure was not the only surprising announcement from The Who‘s Royal Albert Hall shows.
Daltrey Reveals Hearing and Vision Issues
During their March 27 performance, Daltrey disclosed to the audience that he is gradually losing his hearing and sight.
“The joys of aging mean you lose your hearing. I am also experiencing the joy of going blind,” Daltrey stated.
“Fortunately, I still have my voice,” he joked, “because then I’ll have a complete Tommy.”
Tommy Reference
“Tommy” is the name of the central character in The Who’s 1969 album and subsequent rock opera of the same title.
The character is famously deaf, blind, and mute.