Scott Devours, The Who’s newly appointed drummer, shared his first public statement about replacing Zak Starkey in a heartfelt message on Facebook.
His statement addressed the overwhelming support from fans. He also acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding Starkey’s departure.
“Yesterday, with a short, simple Instagram post, Pete and Roger, once again, changed my life forever. It’s hard to express the tsunami of emotions that I’m processing since that incredible news, but there are a couple of things I feel compelled to say,” Devours expressed.
He first addressed the positive fan response: “The first is that I need to thank all the family, friends & fans for the countless messages, texts and emails congratulating me and sharing their excitement. Please accept this group: ‘thank you.’ The amount of positivity thrown my way has been overwhelming, I truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Also, please don’t ask me for tickets, lol.”
Devours then showed empathy for fans struggling with the change: “The second is that I understand and accept the reality that there are many lifelong Who fans who are absolutely gutted by the news that Zak is no longer on the throne behind The Who. As a huge fan myself, there is a part of me that’s processing this loss with a heavy heart too.”
He emphasized his commitment to the role: “The weight of this responsibility is enormous and I am feeling every ounce of it. What I want to say to all of the fans is that I will do everything I can to honor the legacy of The Who, Zak, Kenney Jones, Simon Phillips and the memory of the great Keith Moon.”
Devours concluded with his dedication to the band’s final US tour: “Since this is the last time Pete and Roger will be touring the US, playing the greatest songs ever written, I will be giving them every second of my time, every beat of my heart, and every drop of my sweat and blood. This is my ultimate goal. But this tour isn’t about me or anyone other than The Who, which IS Pete and Roger. I will give them everything I have and the rest is soon to be history.”
The Who are now preparing for their final US tour.
The appointment represents a milestone in Devours’ relationship with the band.
The Long Beach Post highlighted Devours’ first major contribution to The Who in 2013. He stepped in for Starkey during a European tour on short notice. His exceptional preparedness and musicianship impressed both band and fans.
Devours built his reputation in the music industry before joining The Who. Documentation from reliable sources shows his rise to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He drummed for the post-grunge band Oleander, achieving gold status albums and multiple charting singles. He later joined IMA Robot, contributing to their indie/punk/dance sound.
His path to The Who began with Roger Daltrey’s solo band. This collaboration opened doors for future work with the legendary group. A report from Radio X revealed The Who’s official announcement of Starkey’s departure in May 2025. The band stated that “after many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change.”
This transition ends Starkey’s remarkable 30-year tenure with the band. It also begins a new chapter with Devours behind the kit for The Who’s final US performances.
