Zak Starkey Fired from The Who—Again

For nearly three decades, Zak Starkey was at the center of The Who’s live resurgence—a drummer whose energy, pedigree, and power earned the respect of die-hard fans and the band’s legendary co-founders. But after months of public uncertainty, abrupt reversals, and behind-the-scenes tension, Starkey’s long-standing tenure with the band came to a definitive and public end in May 2025.

The saga began in April 2025, when The Who announced that it had parted ways with Starkey following performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall. That announcement came as a surprise to many, including Starkey himself, who later revealed he had experienced a serious medical emergency earlier in the year involving blood clots in his right leg. Despite recovering from the condition, the drummer was stunned to learn he had been dismissed so soon after returning to the stage.

Public speculation intensified when Roger Daltrey, onstage at the Royal Albert Hall, openly expressed frustration with the live sound, claiming he couldn’t hear properly due to the overpowering drums. The moment hinted at a deeper fracture within the band, suggesting a rift over musical direction and communication. Starkey later confirmed to Rolling Stone that the incident seemed to be the catalyst for his termination.

Less than a week later, however, The Who reversed course. In an official statement posted on the band’s website, Pete Townshend confirmed that Starkey was no longer being asked to leave the group. Townshend acknowledged communication issues and expressed a desire for Starkey to adjust his playing style to better fit the group’s current non-orchestral format. Starkey, according to Townshend, agreed to the adjustments. The announcement seemed to cool the controversy—for a time.

But that peace didn’t last. On May 18, 2025, just before the band publicly confirmed his exit, Starkey issued his own statement via Instagram, revealing he had been fired a second time only two weeks after his reinstatement. He alleged that The Who asked him to release a statement claiming he had left voluntarily to pursue other projects. “This would be a lie,” he wrote bluntly.

That same day, The Who formally announced that Scott Devours would take Starkey’s place. Devours is no stranger to the band’s inner circle, having previously played drums for Roger Daltrey during solo tours. In their announcement, Townshend and Daltrey framed Starkey’s departure as amicable, citing his youth and his future projects as reasons for the decision. “The Who are heading for retirement,” the statement read. “Zak is 20 years younger and has a great future with his new band.”

Starkey pushed back against the narrative, alluding to the chaos of recent months by saying his on-again, off-again employment made him feel like he was going “in and out like a bleedin’ squeezebox.” The remark not only referenced a classic Who lyric but also underscored the surreal nature of the firing and re-hiring process.

Zak Starkey first joined The Who in 1996, stepping into a role previously held by his godfather, Keith Moon, whose style and energy had defined the band’s early years. Starkey was uniquely positioned for the job—not just because of his connection to Moon, but as the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Unlike other legacy musicians, Starkey earned his place with raw talent, capturing Moon’s frenetic flair while delivering technical precision.

His arrival helped fuel The Who’s 1996–1997 Quadrophenia tour and subsequent live revivals. Starkey contributed to Endless Wire in 2006, the band’s first studio album in over two decades, and remained a fixture on stage as The Who toured extensively through the 2000s and 2010s. His contributions were widely praised by fans and critics who considered him essential to the modern version of the band.

Founded in 1964, The Who originally consisted of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon. The band defined British rock’s mod era and eventually evolved into pioneers of rock opera and high-concept albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia. Moon’s death in 1978 and Entwistle’s death in 2002 marked major losses, but the band continued on with various lineups—anchored in later years by Daltrey, Townshend, and Starkey.

Starkey’s drumming not only kept The Who alive on the road—it preserved the spirit of a band that had built its reputation on musical explosiveness. His departure severs one of the last remaining links to that live identity, particularly as the band prepares for its The Song Is Over farewell tour set to begin August 16, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida.

What remains unclear is how the public back-and-forth will affect Starkey’s future projects. Though he has yet to confirm details, his public statements make it clear that he plans to move forward creatively. He has worked with bands like Oasis and The Lightning Seeds and is known for his versatility outside of The Who’s sphere.

The breakdown in communication between Starkey and The Who leaves a complicated legacy. For nearly 30 years, he was more than just a touring member—he was a cornerstone of the band’s second act. The abrupt and public nature of his dismissal raises questions about how bands with decades of history handle change, loyalty, and public perception.

Whatever comes next for Zak Starkey, his legacy with The Who is already etched in the band’s later history. For millions of fans who saw The Who after 1996, he was the man behind the drums—and for many, the man who made it all work.

Check out Zak up close with The Who…..

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