Zak Starkey has opened up about his controversial departure from The Who and hinted at a potential return to the legendary rock band in a recent interview with The Telegraph.
The drummer addressed the circumstances surrounding his firing and shared details about recent communication with band members regarding his possible comeback.
“What happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong,” Starkey said. “Roger [came] in a bar early. I watched the show and I can’t find any dropped beats. Then Pete [Townshend] had to go along with it because Pete’s had 60 years of arguing with Roger.”
Despite the controversy, Starkey expressed no personal animosity toward the band members.
“I don’t blame anyone,” he continued. “I blame The Who because they’re unpredictable, aggressive and fucking insane.”
The drummer also revealed recent contact with Roger Daltrey about a potential return to the band.
“I spoke to Roger last week and he said, ‘Don’t take your drums out of [The Who’s] warehouse yet in case we need you,'” Starkey said. “I said, ‘Best let me know.'”
This development suggests The Who may be considering bringing Starkey back into the fold after their previous disagreement.
Starkey’s relationship with The Who represents just one chapter in a diverse musical career that spans multiple decades and genres. The drummer has established himself as a versatile musician beyond his work with the legendary rock band.
Drum Spy reported that Starkey has played with notable bands including Oasis and Johnny Marr and the Healers throughout his career. His musical journey has taken him far beyond rock music. Recent years have seen him focus on reggae music while living in Jamaica with his wife, supported by BMG in developing that genre.
The drummer’s connection to music history runs deep through his famous lineage. Gold Radio noted that Starkey is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. This heritage has shaped his lifelong dedication to music. This connection recently came full circle when he performed at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club, connecting deeply with his father’s legacy through a tribute performance.
Drummer World highlighted that Starkey’s musical journey has been marked by his ability to adapt to different styles and work with various high-profile artists. His experience across multiple genres and decades of professional drumming has made him a sought-after musician in the industry.
The potential return to The Who would mark another significant chapter in Starkey’s already impressive career. It would bring his extensive experience and musical versatility back to one of rock’s most enduring bands.
