Zak Starkey has publicly responded to recent comments made by Roger Daltrey regarding his departure from The Who. He addressed what he calls inaccurate reports in a statement shared on Instagram.
The drummer’s response came after Daltrey’s interview with The Times. The Who frontman described Starkey’s exit as “a character assassination” that was “incredibly upsetting.” Starkey used his Instagram platform to clarify his side of the story and dispute several claims.
“This is bloody everywhere and I didn’t make any nasty comments about Roger when I got fired,” Starkey said. “I think it’s about the public comments about Roger on my Instagram – which I have taken down.”
Starkey went on to address misconceptions about alleged on-stage conflicts during his final performance with the band.
“And I didn’t think Roger was having a go at me on stage because he was shouting into a special microphone that he only uses to communicate with the sound guy,” he explained. “There was no conflict and no argument before the show or after as I was in my car on my way home before Pete and Roger had finished the last song ‘Tea and Theatre’ which is an acoustic duet and doesn’t feature any of the band.”
The drummer revealed he was unaware of any issues until well after his final show with the legendary rock band.
“I thought the gig was ok. I had no idea about getting fired or any problems at all until a week after the show,” Starkey continued. “So either the times misunderstood or… confusion reigns O’er me and everyone else! I thought this had blown over.”
Despite the public disagreement, Starkey concluded his statement by expressing continued respect for Daltrey and their long-standing relationship.
“The Who has a new drummer they’ve played some shows they’re about to do their farewell tour… so this is old news and it’s completely wrong,” he said. “When I first saw it I was gonna leave it but now it’s been picked up by every outlet in the cosmos it’s a bit annoying cos it’s bollox. I love Roger and he’s a fucking amazing singer – we go back too long for grudges.”
The current dispute highlights the end of a significant chapter in The Who’s history. Starkey’s departure marked the conclusion of nearly three decades with the legendary rock band.
Modern Drummer reported that Starkey’s departure follows a complex saga that began in April 2025. The Who announced they had parted ways with him after performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The decision shocked many fans and industry observers, especially since Starkey had been a mainstay with the band for nearly 30 years. He contributed significantly to their live resurgence since joining in 1996 during their Quadrophenia tour.
The drummer’s connection to The Who runs deeper than just professional ties. Classic Rock History noted that Starkey is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and godson of the late Keith Moon. He was entrusted to continue Moon’s drumming legacy. This unique position made his departure particularly significant for both the band and its fanbase, as he represented a direct link to The Who’s legendary past.
Vinyl Me Please revealed that tensions surrounding Starkey’s exit were tied not only to musical disagreements but also to personal dynamics within the band. Roger Daltrey had openly expressed frustration during the Royal Albert Hall charity concert over being unable to hear properly due to the drum sound. This reportedly led to halting the show multiple times.
Earlier in 2025, Modern Drummer documented that Starkey had recovered from a serious medical issue involving blood clots in his right leg. This sidelined him briefly. Though this was resolved without lasting effects on his drumming, he was surprised to learn of his dismissal soon after returning to the stage. This aligns with his Instagram statement about being unaware of any problems until a week after his final performance.
