Zak Starkey has shared details of a recent reconciliatory phone call with Roger Daltrey. The conversation addressed confusion about his departure from The Who in a statement shared on Instagram.
The drummer described a cordial conversation that clarified misunderstandings about his status with the band.
“I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!!” Starkey revealed. “Rog said I hadn’t been ‘fired’…I had been ‘retired’ to work on my own projects.”
Starkey elaborated on his current situation and availability to the band.
“I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects. My group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June. After that had run its course (usually 5/6 weeks), I was completely available for the foreseeable future,” he continued. “Rog said ‘Oh!'”
The conversation concluded on a positive note. “And we kind of left it there—On good terms and great friends as we have always been,” Starkey added. “Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say ‘The mind boggles!'”
Recent speculation about Starkey’s position with The Who continues. The exact status of his role with the band remains unclear.
This latest development emerges amid a complex situation surrounding Starkey’s departure from the legendary rock band.
A report from People revealed controversy marked Starkey’s exit after nearly 30 years. The drummer stated he was asked to misrepresent his departure as a voluntary decision to pursue other projects.
The Independent highlighted additional complexities in the situation. Tensions reportedly emerged from a performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Comments about Starkey’s drumming contributed to his complicated departure.
Starkey has maintained focus on new musical ventures during this transition. Vinyl Me Please reported his current work on multiple projects. He is finalizing his autobiography and preparing for the release of “Domino Bones” with his new group, Mantra of the Cosmos.
Starkey’s legacy with The Who extends across three impressive decades. He made significant contributions to the band’s performances throughout this period. His relationship with its members, though complex, remained meaningful throughout his tenure.
