The Who Part Ways With Drummer Zak Starkey After Dispute at Royal Albert Hall

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Updated Apr 16, 2025, 03:51 PM

The Who, a legendary British rock band, has parted ways with their drummer Zak Starkey after nearly 30 years with the group. The decision to dismiss Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, came after a reported dispute with frontman Roger Daltrey during their recent performances at London's Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The conflict reportedly arose from Daltrey's dissatisfaction with Starkey's drumming at the Royal Albert Hall shows, where he was said to have criticized Starkey for overplaying during a live performance. Daltrey expressed frustration over the sound of the drums, stating that he could not hear the key and was unable to sing over the drumming. Starkey, who joined The Who in 1996 for their Quadrophenia Tour, had been a consistent presence in the band's live performances. Despite the band's statement expressing admiration for Starkey and wishing him well, sources suggest the split was acrimonious. Starkey hinted at his dismissal in an Instagram post, and there are speculations about him joining the upcoming Oasis reunion tour or returning to his band Mantra of the Cosmos.

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