The Who Reinstates Drummer Zak Starkey Just Days After His Dismissal
The Who Re-Hire Drummer Zak Starkey After Shock Firing: Band Seeks to Mend Communication Issues
In a move that surprised fans and insiders alike, rock legends The Who have re-hired Zak Starkey just days after his abrupt dismissal from the band. Starkey, who is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, had played with the iconic group for nearly thirty years before being let go following a string of concerts at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall.
In a statement released on the band’s website, guitarist Pete Townshend offered insight into the turmoil that unfolded earlier this week. “Zak’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,” he explained.
The news follows Starkey’s confirmed departure, which he spoke of in a heartfelt statement issued to Rolling Stone, expressing his shock and dismay at being let go. The initial firing was attributed to "issues with the drumming" that unfolded during the Royal Albert Hall shows, leading to the belief that Starkey’s evolving style may not provide the tightness the band was looking for.
Reflecting on the rollercoaster of emotions, Townshend shared a candid behind-the-scenes look at the events leading to Starkey’s ouster and subsequent reinstatement. “Roger [Daltrey] and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line-up, and he has readily agreed,” Townshend noted. “I take responsibility for some of the confusion. Our TCT shows at the Royal Albert Hall were a little tricky for me. I thought that four and a half weeks would be enough time to recover completely from having a complete knee replacement. (Why did I ever think I could land on my knees?) Wrong!”
He added that logistical issues—such as inadequate sound checks and challenges with the stage’s audio quality—contributed to the chaotic atmosphere. “Maybe we didn’t put enough time into sound checks, giving us problems on stage,” he admitted. Starkey, for his part, has since apologized for his performance mishaps during the shows, lightheartedly referring to a “rubber duck drummer” in his remorse.
In a move that underscores The Who’s foundational values as a family unit, Townshend emphasized the need to move forward from the ordeal. “We are a family; this blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies,” he declared.
Furthermore, Townshend extended an olive branch to Scott Devours, Daltrey’s solo drummer, who had been rumored as a potential replacement for Starkey, apologizing for not quashing speculation before it escalated. “I promise to buy him a very long drink and give him a hug,” he quipped.
Now reunited, Starkey is set to return to his spot behind the kit as The Who prepare for their next round of performances, kicking off with two gigs in Italy this July. In a brief but poignant relaunch of their sound, the band seems ready to step back into the limelight, guitar riffs blazing and drums thundering—a reminder that, despite the ups and downs, the music continues to live on.
As fans await what comes next, The Who’s impromptu reunion serves as a vivid lesson in the complexities of band dynamics, illustrating that in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, sometimes a little communication can go a long way.
Latest news
