Zak Starkey has addressed his departure from The Who in a statement to Rolling Stone.
“I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith [Moon]’ has been the biggest honor, and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me,” Starkey said. “In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.”
“After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do?” he continued. “I plan to take some much-needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of ‘Domino Bones’ by Mantra of the Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May, and finishing my autobiography written solely by me. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”
The statement follows The Who’s recent announcement of parting ways with Starkey, the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
Recent revelations have shed light on the circumstances leading to Starkey’s departure.
Loudwire reported that a public dispute triggered the split during The Who’s Royal Albert Hall concerts for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity series. Lead singer Roger Daltrey expressed frustration during ‘The Song Is Over.’ He couldn’t hear the key over Starkey’s drumming, which he described as ‘going boom, boom, boom.’
AXS TV highlighted Starkey’s remarkable tenure with The Who, which began in 1996. He became the longest-serving drummer in the band’s history, surpassing even his godfather Keith Moon’s time with the group.
Entertainment Weekly noted Starkey’s significant impact on The Who’s modern sound. His contributions include performances on studio albums ‘Endless Wire’ (2006) and ‘Who’ (2019). These recordings helped shape the band’s musical identity in the late-20th and early-21st century.
Starkey’s musical journey continues beyond The Who. His work includes collaborations with Oasis. His next project features work with Mantra of the Cosmos alongside Noel Gallagher, demonstrating his ongoing evolution as an artist.
