A “Surprised and Saddened” Zak Starkey Issues First Public Statement After The Who Firing
In a development that few saw coming, drummer Zak Starkey has broken his silence following his unexpected dismissal from The Who. After nearly three decades of loyalty, dedication, and unforgettable performances behind the drums, Starkey’s removal from the band has left both fans and the drummer himself stunned. His first public statement, released just days after the firing was made public, reflects a mix of heartbreak, confusion, and an unmistakable tone of disappointment.
Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr and the godson of the late, wild-spirited Keith Moon, joined The Who in the mid-1990s. Though he was never an “official” member of the band, Starkey was undeniably part of the group’s identity during its modern era. His drumming, which paid homage to Moon’s chaotic brilliance while also showcasing his own technical finesse, helped preserve The Who’s legacy on stage in a way that few could have imagined.
In his first comments since the news broke, Starkey made his emotions clear: “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.”
This statement alone encapsulated the sense of personal investment Starkey had in the band. For him, it was more than a gig—it was a calling, a legacy, a bridge between generations of rock history.
The tension, according to insiders, came to a head during a recent performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. During the concert, lead singer Roger Daltrey reportedly became frustrated with Starkey’s drumming, calling it overpowering and suggesting it disrupted the performance. Daltrey even went so far as to say on stage that he “couldn’t sing” over the drums that night. For fans, this moment was awkward and confusing. For Zak Starkey, it was devastating.
Adding to the complication was the fact that Starkey had recently faced a significant health scare. In January, he suffered blood clots in his leg that required urgent treatment. Though he was able to recover, many wondered if the issue had affected his playing. Starkey addressed this directly in his statement: “I’m feeling stronger than ever. The doctors cleared me. I wouldn’t have stepped back on stage if I didn’t think I could give 100 percent.”
What makes the situation even more emotional is the nature of the split. Starkey, by all appearances, did not see this coming. He was still actively involved in The Who’s 2025 performances and had been rehearsing for future shows. There was no farewell tour, no announcement of stepping away. It was a cut, clean and sudden. And that, perhaps, is what hurts the most—not only for Zak, but for the fans who had come to see him as part of the soul of the band’s modern sound.
His departure raises uncomfortable questions about The Who’s future. With Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey now both in their seventies, and the lineup continuing to shift, many fans are wondering whether the band should continue without such core contributors. While Daltrey and Townshend remain the founding members and therefore the “faces” of The Who, there’s no denying that the modern incarnation of the group has been a team effort—one that included Zak Starkey in a crucial role.
“I understand it’s their band,” Zak wrote, “and they have every right to take it in whatever direction they choose. But I think the way it was done, and how quickly it all happened, was shocking. I was surprised and saddened.”
Despite the pain in his words, Starkey maintained a tone of dignity. There was no public attack, no bitterness toward Daltrey or Townshend. Instead, he chose to honor the legacy he helped protect and thanked fans for the “overwhelming love and support” they’ve shown him in recent days.
His statement also hinted at what’s next. Starkey plans to shift his focus toward his band, Mantra of the Cosmos, which he formed alongside other prominent British rock veterans. He also revealed that he’s in the process of finishing his autobiography, a project that now seems more compelling than ever. “There are stories I’ve waited a long time to share,” he said, “and this seems like the right time to tell them.”
One can only imagine the layers those stories might hold. Starkey has lived a life uniquely intertwined with rock royalty. From being the son of a Beatle to playing alongside legends in his own right, his perspective is both rare and fascinating.
Meanwhile, The Who has not yet issued an official statement about the nature of the firing. Daltrey has been uncharacteristically quiet since the incident, leaving fans to speculate. Some have defended the singer, citing the pressures of performing live and the difficulty of hearing on stage. Others have criticized the band for what they see as a disrespectful end to a long and loyal relationship.
Whatever the case, the rift has opened a wound in The Who’s extended family—one that may not heal quickly. Music, especially for bands with as much history as The Who, is about more than notes and rhythms. It’s about trust, chemistry, and shared history. When one of those links is broken, the chain becomes fragile.
Zak Starkey’s exit from The Who is more than just a change in the lineup. It’s the end of an era. For many fans, Starkey represented the heart of the band’s live energy in recent years—a drummer who understood what The Who meant, not only musically but culturally.
And now, that heartbeat has been silenced.
Still, Zak’s legacy remains intact. He leaves with the respect and admiration of countless fans, fellow musicians, and, undoubtedly, his father, who once said he was proud of the drummer Zak had become—not just as his son, but as an artist in his own right.
In closing his statement, Starkey left a simple message: “Thank you to everyone who’s supported me on this journey. It’s not over yet—not by a long shot.”
And with that, Zak Starkey steps into the next chapter—not as a backup, not as a replacement, but as a respected artist ready to define his own future.
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