The Who rehires Zak Starkey as drummer following brief dismissal: ‘Communication issues resolved’
The iconic rock band The Who recently reconciled with their longtime drummer, Zak Starkey, after a brief separation due to what guitarist and co-founder, Pete Townshend, described as “communication issues.” This unexpected turn of events led to Starkey’s departure from the band just days after their charity shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March, where Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey reportedly felt disappointed with his performance.
In an Instagram post, Townshend announced the surprising reunion with Starkey, acknowledging that personal and private matters needed to be addressed but were ultimately resolved amicably. Despite the initial decision to part ways with Starkey, due to what the band described as collective considerations, The Who continued to express their respect and admiration for him, wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Starkey, who has been a member of The Who since 1996, opened up about a medical emergency he faced earlier in the year, involving blood clots in his right calf, which fortunately did not affect his ability to play the drums. Reflecting on his dismissal, he expressed surprise and sadness over any issues with his performance, particularly given his long-standing tenure with the band and familiarity with their music.
Townshend shed light on the performance challenges faced during their London shows, attributing some of the difficulties to sound checks and technical issues. He also mentioned his own recovery from knee replacement surgery shortly before the gigs, suggesting that the timing may not have been ideal for a demanding live performance.
Despite the temporary setback, The Who remains resilient and optimistic about the future, emphasizing their commitment to moving forward with renewed energy and dedication. Additionally, Townshend clarified rumors surrounding Starkey’s replacement and extended apologies to drummer Scott Devours for any misunderstandings that may have arisen.
Moving forward, fans can anticipate solo shows from Roger Daltrey with drummer Scott Devours, along with Starkey’s continued involvement in the band. Starkey’s versatile career also includes writing an autobiography and collaborating on a new album with his band, Mantra Of The Cosmos, alongside rock legend Noel Gallagher.
The unexpected twist in The Who’s lineup serves as a testament to the band’s enduring resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges. Despite the initial discord, the reunion with Zak Starkey highlights the band’s deep-rooted connection and shared passion for their music, paving the way for a promising future filled with creativity and collaboration.