The Who drummer Zak Starkey fired following band’s last straw

The Who recently made headlines after parting ways with their drummer, Zak Starkey, following concerns over his performance at a Royal Albert Hall show. During the event, lead singer Roger Daltrey expressed frustration with Zak’s drumming, which led to interruptions during the concert. Daltrey complained about the loud drums overpowering his vocals, making it difficult for him to hear the key and sing properly. This dissatisfaction culminated in the band deciding to dismiss Zak from his position, marking the end of his tenure with The Who.

Zak Starkey, known as the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been a consistent presence in The Who’s lineup since joining them for their Quadrophenia tour in 1996. Despite his long-standing association with the band, Zak’s departure was described as “acrimonious” and left him shaken by the unexpected turn of events. The decision to part ways with Zak was a collective one made by the band, with a spokesperson expressing admiration for his talent but emphasizing the need to move forward without him.

Following his dismissal, Zak hinted at the controversy on his Instagram, cryptically referencing Daltrey’s alleged displeasure with his performance and the subsequent charges of overplaying brought against him. This development added to what has been a challenging year for Zak, beginning with a health scare involving a blood clot in his leg in January. Despite his setbacks, Zak remains involved in the music scene, both with indie outfit Mantra of the Cosmos and as a potential contributor to Oasis’s rumored 2025 reunion.

This recent incident is not the first time Zak has made headlines for his actions outside of his musical endeavors. Last August, he was reportedly banned from an Airbnb after mentioning plans for a high-profile party, featuring guests like Liam Gallagher and Johnny Marr. The cancellation of his reservation was attributed to the hosts discovering his association with Oasis and The Who, labeling them as notoriously misbehaved bands in rock ‘n’ roll history.

The legacy of The Who, originating in 1964 London, is marked by legendary members like Daltrey, Townshend, and the late Moon and Entwistle. Despite the band’s rich history and iconic status in the music industry, the departure of Zak Starkey has raised questions and drawn cautious reactions from insiders, who consider him a talented drummer whose presence will be missed. As The Who navigates this transition, fans and critics alike are left to ponder the implications of this significant change within the band’s lineup and its impact on their future musical direction.