The Who sack their drummer, Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey, following Roger Daltrey complaints

16 April 2025, 15:10

Following their March charity concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall, legendary band The Who have severed ties with drummer Zak Starkey, ending his nearly three-decade stint with the band.

Representatives confirmed that the separation was reached by "collective decision" after the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit shows.

Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, had occupied the drummer's seat since joining The Who's Quadrophenia tour in 1996.

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"They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future," the band's spokesperson stated, while Starkey's camp characterised the split as a "typical rock'n'roll falling out" where "healing can take time."

His representative emphasised Starkey's credentials, noting he ranks among "the UK's greatest drummers" and was personally mentored by Keith Moon, The Who's original drummer.

Signs of discord emerged during the March 30th performance when, according to Metro, frontman Roger Daltrey publicly voiced frustration about Starkey's playing volume.

"All I've got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can't sing to that," Daltrey reportedly told concertgoers during the show.

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In what appears to be anticipation of his dismissal, Starkey posted a cryptic Instagram message on April 13th referencing "Toger Daktrey" [sic] bringing "formal charges of overplaying" against "Zak the drummer."

The 59-year-old musician, who previously stepped in for Oasis in 2004 and currently performs with Mantra of the Cosmos, had recently experienced health challenges, suffering a blood clot in his leg earlier this year in January.