The Who's Zak Starkey major announcement after bandmates u-turn (2025)

The Who have confirmed that Zak Starkey has not been sacked from the band, despite announcing his departure earlier this week.

The Who's Zak Starkey has been reinstated as the band's drummer, just days after being let go by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. The band had initially announced their decision to part ways with Starkey, citing concerns over his performance at a recent Teenage Cancer Trust show.

However, Townshend has since revealed that the issues have been resolved and Starkey is back in the fold of the rock band. Townshend explained: "He's not being asked to step down from The Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.

"Roger and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line up and he has readily agreed. I take responsibility for some of the confusion. Our TCT shows at the Royal Albert Hall were a little tricky for me. I thought that four and a half weeks would be enough time to recover completely from having a complete knee replacement. (Why did I ever think I could land on my knees? ) Wrong!".

He continued, as reported by the Mirror: "Maybe we didn't put enough time into sound checks, giving us problems on stage. The sound in the centre of the stage is always the most difficult to work with. Roger did nothing wrong but fiddle with his in-ear monitors. Zak made a few mistakes and he has apologised. Albeit with a rubber duck drummer.

"We are a family, this blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It's over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies.

He added: "As for Roger, fans can enjoy his forthcoming solo shows with his fabulous drummer, Scott Devours, who it was rumoured might replace Zak in The Who and has always been supportive of the band. I owe Scott an apology for not crushing that rumour before it spread. He has been hurt by this. I promise to buy him a very long drink and give him a hug."

The change in direction follows claims from inside sources that the band was taken aback by the intensity of fan reactions to the news of Zak's potential departure. One source mentioned: "They were taken aback by the level of feeling."

Upon reflecting on the scrutiny of his Royal Albert Hall performance in March, Zak expressed he was "surprised and saddened" by suggestions that his performance should be questioned.

Zak said at the time: "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. 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 commented: "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 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."

Zak has served as The Who's full-time drummer since their Quadrophenia Tour in 1996. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for The Who announced: "The band made a collective decision to part ways 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."

An insider previously informed the Mirror saying: "It's a little acrimonious to say the least." Now further details have been revealed about that contentious gig, including instances where the lead singer visibly threw up his hands in frustration and interrupted the March 30 show numerous times.

Daltrey voiced his discontent stating: "All I've got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can't sing to that" and during the show, he also expressed: "To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can't."

At another juncture, Daltrey aired his exasperation saying: Roger said, 'It was going so well... I can sing in any f***ing key you want, but I need to hear which one.

'"An insider remarked: "It was the final straw for the band and they knew they had to pull the plug. It's a shame but it is what it is.".

In 2004, Zak filled the gap left by long-standing member Alan White's exit when he joined Oasis. The band called it quits in 2009.

There were whispers about his involvement in the anticipated Oasis reunion. Last August, it was disclosed how Zak was barred from booking a Victorian manor house on Airbnb after he inadvertently revealed plans for a party.

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