The Who drummer Zak Starkey saddened as hes sacked | Music News

Zak Starkey has damaged his silence following his departure from The Who, saying he feels “surprised and saddened” that his efficiency on the iconic Royal Albert Hall stirred any controversy.

The drummer’s exit made headlines this week, as it was revealed he’s no longer half of The Who after practically three many years of collaboration, spanning 1996 to 2025.

An official release stated, “The band made a collective resolution to half methods with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”

Despite the seemingly amicable cut up indicated by the band’s assertion, whispers about dissatisfaction with Zak’s efficiency during the Teenage Cancer Trust charity concert events in London triggered hypothesis.

In response to the circulating rumors and the announcement of his separation from The Who, Zak, who’s Ringo Starr’s son from The Beatles drummer’s first marriage with Maureen Starkey, hinted that his Royal Albert Hall gig was certainly a issue.

Rolling Stone acquired a assertion from Zak on Wednesday night during which the 59-year-old drummer mirrored fondly on his tenure with the rock legends, saying, “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan.”

Describing the group as household, he recounted a health scare in January, “They’ve been like family to me. 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.”

He went on, “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?

“I plan to take some a lot needed time off with my household, and deal with the release of Domino Bones by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May and ending my autobiography written solely by me. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good outdated run, and I want them the best.”

The revelations emerge amidst reports of Zak being “upset” from his departure from the group, reviews the Mirror US. According to sources talking with The Mirror, there have been “a few points with the drumming … and the usual wasn’t as high as everybody needed.”

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Describing the current situation within the band, another insider claims, “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least,” but stands by Zak, asserting, “He is an extraordinarily proficient drummer and it does not make any sense.”

The Who originally featured members Roger, Pete, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. Following Keith’s departure, Kenney Jones took over the drums, followed by Simon Phillips for their 25th-anniversary tour in 1989.

Despite a tumultuous relationship within the group, they have managed to perform together in recent times, often with Zak replacing Keith on tours as their drummer, with additional support from Pino Palladino on bass and Simon Townshend on second guitar and backing vocals.

Zak’s ties to the group trace back to his own childhood, given the camaraderie between The Beatles, featuring his father, and The Who. When talking to Modern Drummer, Zak reflected, “Keith Moon was my first huge affect, positively.

“I wanted to play the drums because of Keith. When I was very young there was music all around me in my parents’ house. You would go into the living room and find stacks and stacks of LPs. I would spend my days listening to records.”

He reminisced fondly about receiving his first drum set at age eight, a reward from Kevin, who additionally acted as a godfather determine, including, “My dad took me to see T. Rex when I was six. That was it for me; I wanted to be Marc Bolan. Then I got into David Bowie.

“I cherished all of these ’70s glam bands from England, like Slade and Sweet. Then once I was eight, I found The Who’s Meaty Beaty Big And Bouncy. That turned every part on its head. It was so completely different and it sounded so alive. It was bouncy.”