Zak Starkey, the talented drummer and son of Ringo Starr, has expressed his lingering confusion regarding his unexpected dismissal from The Who earlier this year. Despite the bewilderment surrounding the situation, Starkey assures fans that he bears no ill will towards his former bandmates.
In April 2025, The Who made headlines by announcing Starkey's departure from the band. Reports suggested that the decision was influenced by lead singer Roger Daltrey’s frustrations during a London concert, where he struggled to hear his own vocals over Starkey's drumming.
However, shortly after the announcement, guitarist Pete Townshend indicated that the decision had been reversed. Yet, the situation took another turn as Starkey was informed once more that he had been let go. Reflecting on these events, Starkey lamented that this drama ultimately cost him the chance to join Oasis for their highly anticipated reunion tour.
In a recent interview with Q1043 New York, Starkey remarked, "I’d like to say that we remained friends throughout. I spoke to Roger about two weeks ago...we never actually became enemies or anything like that." This highlights the complexity of relationships in the music industry, where personal and professional lines can often blur.
Starkey elaborated on the confusing nature of the decisions made by The Who, stating, "I think they just wanted to change; and then they didn’t, and then they did, and then they didn’t, and then they did, and then they didn’t. It was pretty confusing. And I think they’re still confused. I’m still confused!" This sentiment resonates with many musicians who face similar uncertainties in their careers.
Despite the tumultuous end to his nearly three-decade tenure with the legendary rock band, Starkey is determined not to let the circumstances overshadow the many years of collaboration. He stated, "I’ve been working with Roger on and off since I was 17, and I worked with John Entwistle from even younger than that. I was in The Who for 29 years, and I wouldn’t bury a friendship over it. It’s just band business."
Zak Starkey emphasizes that he holds no grudge against The Who, saying, "As far as I know, they’re done. I’d like to have finished it off, but I didn’t. I don’t hold a grudge, really, because they’re my friends; and we've been friends for such a long time." This perspective showcases a level of maturity and understanding about the nature of band dynamics.
For fans of The Who and newcomers alike, Starkey’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of relationships within the music industry, and how even amid controversies, friendships can endure.
So, what do you think about the way band dynamics can shift so dramatically? Can you relate to the idea of maintaining friendships despite professional setbacks? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
