The Mirror reported that Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, has left The Who following their recent Royal Albert Hall performances.
“The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” a spokesperson for The Who stated. “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
A source close to the situation shed more light on the decision. “The band had few issues with the drumming… and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted,” the source revealed.
Roger Daltrey and Zak Starkey have remained silent about this development.
This departure represents a crucial moment for both the band and Starkey, given their extensive history together.
Records from Wikipedia show that Starkey joined The Who in 1996 for their Quadrophenia tour. His connection to the band extends beyond professional relationships. The Who’s original drummer, Keith Moon, served as his godfather and provided him with drumming instruction.
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey consistently praised Starkey during his time with The Who. They regarded him as the finest drummer to join the band since Keith Moon’s death. Starkey developed a distinctive style that honored Moon’s energetic approach while incorporating his own modern elements. This unique combination made him essential to The Who’s sound for more than 20 years.
Starkey maintained an active career outside The Who. He established the band Penguins Rising and worked with his partner Sharna Liguz in a project called SSHH. These ventures showcase his versatility as a drummer.
The Who has not announced their plans for a replacement drummer. Additional details are expected to follow this announcement.
