"Roger Daltrey expressed dissatisfaction, characterizing Zak Starkey's reaction to his dismissal from The Who as a damaging attack on his reputation"
In a surprising turn of events, Zak Starkey, drummer for iconic rock band The Who since 1996, announced his departure from the band in 2025. The announcement came after a series of shows at the Royal Albert Hall in April, where concerns about his drumming and communication with the band during live performances arose[2][3].
The controversy centered on technical and interpersonal issues during those shows. Starkey faced criticism over the timing of some songs, but lead singer Roger Daltrey explained that these problems were more linked to the live sound setup, including the use of electronic drums, rather than Starkey’s inherent drumming ability[1].
Starkey, the godson of original Who drummer Keith Moon, initially framed his departure as a retirement. However, the band confirmed that he was fired[2][3]. The nearly three-decade tenure was marked by admiration from the band and fans, making his departure a significant and emotional moment for everyone involved[1][2][3].
Notably, Starkey’s absence was felt immediately on subsequent tours, with The Who continuing without their longtime drummer[5]. Daltrey, in an interview with The Times, accused Starkey of "character assassination." Starkey, in response, claimed that he got it right, and Daltrey got it wrong[1].
Daltrey, who has been dealing with health issues since contracting meningitis in 2016, expressed concern about making it to the end of the tour. He also revealed that he has incurable macular degeneration and that his sight is not good[1]. Despite these challenges, Daltrey and Pete Townshend, another member of The Who, reiterated their commitment to the band, stating that they retain the right to be the Who[1].
In the midst of these challenges, Daltrey claimed that everyone else in The Who is a session player[1]. This statement, while potentially contentious, reflects the band's long history of working with some of the best musicians in the industry[4].
As The Who continues their journey, they face the challenges of maintaining long-term cohesion in a legendary band dealing with the pressures of live performance, health, and evolving technical demands[3]. The departure of Zak Starkey marks a significant shift in the band's history, but the legacy of The Who lives on, with Daltrey and Townshend at the helm.
References:
- The Guardian
- Rolling Stone
- NME
- The Telegraph
- BBC News
Zak Starkey's departure from The Who in 2025 brought controversy, with accusations of character assassination between Starkey and lead singer Roger Daltrey. Meanwhile, celebrities and music enthusiasts around the world watched with interest as the future of the iconic band unfolded, raising questions about their ability to maintain cohesion amidst health issues, technical demands, and the departure of a beloved member.
