English rock legends The Who have officially parted ways with drummer Zak Starkey, marking the end of a nearly three-decade collaboration that began in 1996 during their Quadrophenia tour. The announcement came after a series of performances at London's Royal Albert Hall, where tensions reportedly escalated between Starkey and lead singer Roger Daltrey.
According to a statement from the band, "The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future." This decision, however, was not without controversy. Sources close to the situation indicated that the split was "a little acrimonious to say the least," suggesting that Starkey was upset by the dismissal.
The friction between Starkey and Daltrey became evident during the band's recent performances, which were held in support of Daltrey's Teenage Cancer Trust charity. Reports indicate that Daltrey openly expressed frustration with Starkey's drumming, particularly during a performance of the song "The Song Is Over." In front of the audience, Daltrey stated, "To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry, guys." This public critique highlighted the growing tension within the band.
Starkey, 59, who is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, had been a fixture in The Who's lineup, performing at nearly every concert since joining the band. He also played on their albums, including 2006's Endless Wire and 2019's Who. His tenure with the band included significant performances, such as the 2010 Super Bowl and the 2012 London Olympics.
Prior to the announcement of his dismissal, Starkey appeared to hint at the brewing conflict through a post on Instagram, which read in part: "Heard today from inside source that Toger Daktrey [sic], lead singer and principal songwriter of the group, unhappy with Zak the drummer’s performance... is bringing formal charges of overplaying and is literally going to Zak the drummer." This post, filled with sarcasm, suggested that Starkey was aware of the tensions surrounding his role in the band.
The Who's performances at the Royal Albert Hall took place on March 18 and 20, 2025, and were intended to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Daltrey, who has long been a patron of the charity, had previously curated the annual concert series at the venue until 2024. The concerts aimed to support young people battling cancer, making the situation even more sensitive given the charity's significance.
Reports have emerged that Starkey's drumming style may have been affected by a health scare earlier this year. In January 2025, he developed a blood clot in his leg, which forced him to cancel an appearance with his side project, the indie band Mantra of the Cosmos. Following medical advice, he was required to rest and take blood thinners, raising questions about whether this health issue impacted his performance during the Royal Albert Hall shows.
Despite the abrupt end to his tenure with The Who, Starkey has a rich musical history outside of the band. He has collaborated with various artists, including Oasis, Johnny Marr, and Paul Weller, and continues to perform with Mantra of the Cosmos. The supergroup features notable musicians such as Shaun Ryder and Bez of the Happy Mondays, as well as Andy Bell of Oasis and Ride.
The news of Starkey's dismissal has sparked speculation among fans regarding his future. Some have suggested that he could rejoin Oasis for their highly anticipated reunion shows this summer, although no official announcements have been made regarding the lineup.
As The Who moves forward without Starkey, the decision represents a significant shift in the band's dynamic. The history shared between Starkey and the band members, particularly Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, has been marked by collaboration and creativity. However, the recent fallout underscores the challenges that can arise in long-term partnerships, especially in the high-pressure world of rock music.
In summary, the dismissal of Zak Starkey signifies the end of an era for The Who, a band that has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. While the reasons behind the split may be complex, the admiration expressed by the band for Starkey suggests that their shared history will not be forgotten. As fans await news of the band's next steps, the impact of this decision will undoubtedly resonate within the music community.
