Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
The Who Reinstates Zak Starkey Following Brief Dismissal
Rock legends The Who have welcomed back drummer Zak Starkey, son of Beatles icon Ringo Starr, mere days after his dismissal. The band disclosed that “communication issues” were resolved, leading to Starkey’s swift return.
“Who Backs Zak!” Declares Pete Townshend
Guitarist and co-founder Pete Townshend announced Starkey’s reinstatement in an Instagram post on Saturday, stating, “News Flash! Who Backs Zak!” He clarified, “He’s not being asked to step down from The Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.”
Disagreement Followed Charity Performances
Townshend, 79, and Roger Daltrey, 81, had initially decided to part ways with Starkey, 59, after his performances at the Teenage Cancer Trust charity concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall in late March.
Reports indicated that the veteran rockers were “upset” with Starkey’s drumming during the shows on March 27 and March 30.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
A spokesperson for The Who informed The Sun that “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.” The statement continued, “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
Starkey Addresses “Blindsided” Departure
Starkey, who became a member of the group in 1996, addressed his unexpected dismissal, revealing he had “suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf” in January.
“This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running,” Starkey stated. “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?”
Performance Issues and Sound Concerns
In his social media announcement about Starkey’s return, Townshend elaborated on the performance challenges during the London concerts.
“Maybe we didn’t put enough time into sound checks, giving us problems on stage,” Townshend explained. “The sound in the centre of the stage is always the most difficult to work with. Roger did nothing wrong but fiddle with his in-ear monitors. Zak made a few mistakes and he has apologised. Albeit with a rubber duck drummer.”
Townshend also noted that performing shortly after his “complete knee replacement” surgery may not have been optimal.
Moving Forward with “Optimism and Fire”
Townshend admitted the news of Starkey’s initial departure “blew up very quickly” but affirmed that the band is proceeding “with optimism and fire in our bellies.”
Apology to Scott Devours
“As for Roger, fans can enjoy his forthcoming solo shows with his fabulous drummer, Scott Devours, who it was rumoured might replace Zak in The Who and has always been supportive of the band,” Townshend added. “I owe Scott an apology for not crushing that rumour before it spread. He has been hurt by this. I promise to buy him a very long drink and give him a hug.”
Starkey’s Response and Future Projects
“V grateful to be a part of the who family Thanks Roger and Pete xx,” Starkey responded online.
Starkey’s commitments extend beyond The Who. He is currently working on an autobiography and a new album with his other band, Mantra Of The Cosmos, featuring Noel Gallagher of Oasis.