The Who has parted ways with drummer Zak Starkey for the second time in less than a month, just before their highly anticipated North American farewell tour. The star is frequently connected with the band and their live performances for over two decades. However, what really was the reason for his dismissal and what does it mean for the future of the band?
The Drama Unfolds: Why Zak Starkey Was Let Go Again
The announcement was made by Pete Townshend, The Who’s iconic guitarist, through Instagram that the band had no choice but to let Zak Starkey go. According to Townshend, after many years of great drumming by Starkey, a change of the drum seat was necessary. He wanted to Starkey all the best in his new projects despite his age and his readiness to start a new profession.
Uncomplicatedly, Starkey’s response was a complete contrast to Townshend’s statement. Starkey clarified the matter on social media that he was sacked two weeks after he was reintroduced to the band. Additionally, he added that the band members wanted him to create the impression that he decided to leave the band himself to pursue other musical projects. Refuting the allegations, Starkey pointed out that both his love for The Who and his side projects never affected his drummer role in the band.
Tensions and Timing: The Royal Albert Hall Incident and Starkey’s Reinstatement
According to reports, the rift between Starkey and the band seems to have started at the March performance in London’s Royal Albert Hall. It was claimed that Roger Daltrey, who obviously had a problem hearing, did not receive any help from Starkey’s drumming. Initially, it was the Starkey part that was kicked out, but after that, there was a great shock when the group declared Starkey’s come back in April. They explained the earlier sacking as “communication issues.”
As The Who’s world tour runs stacks were merely weeks away, Starkey found himself shoeless out of the stable ground again. Given that the exact cause of the firing is not known to the public, the fans should be aware that the management has already reached Scott Devours, a drummer who also has had a great working relationship with Roger Daltrey’s band, as Starkey’s replacement on the tour.
What Will Zak Starkey Do after This?
Even though everything that got Starkey sent away was steeped in drama, he’s still very much about the future he envisioned for himself. He said that being in a parallel project with The Who was never an issue, thereby confirming that we have not seen the last of Starkey in the music industry. His collaboration with Oasis and his upcoming personal projects would definitely make him a familiar face in the music business, thus ensuring his involvement in fresh musical projects in the future.
On the part of The Who, the band’s retirement journey is continued with Scott Devours as the new drummer and a new and different chapter in the band’s life is opened. Although the end of Starkey’s era as a band member leaves a sad feeling, but one can only hope that the tour will be a proper and dignified goodbye to the band’s legacy that it’s promised to be.
Zak Starkey’s Continued Rolemodel Status in The Who: The Perfect Drumming Icon
Thus, Ringo Starr’s son Zac turned out to be an influential musician and a worthy heir of the Beatles when he left to follow his own path and become famous through solid performances. His services to the band since 1996, his live and recorded performances, in particular, have always been sources to remember. Even though his moving on from the band has generated a lot of sadness, the tremendous loss felt by fans and critics alike has yet to be overcome.
