The Who Fired Ringo Starr’s Son As Their Drummer

The seeker is working overtime to get us the full story. The Who has parted ways with Zak Starkey after three decades of service on the drums, with Starkey and the band now sharing differing sides of the fallout’s cause.

The song is over

12 p.m. Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr’s son, has been with the Who in a full-time capacity since 1996; he drummed on the band’s records Endless Wire and Who. In an Instagram post on April 13, Starkey claimed the decision came from front man Roger Daltrey being unhappy at “the drummer’s performance” at their Royal Albert Hall shows last month and “is bringing formal charges of overplaying.” Video footage from one concert shows Daltrey complaining about being unable to sing to Starkey’s “fucking racket” while performing “The Real Me.” (But, well, was Keith Moon’s kit explosion considered too much?) In a separate statement, a Who representative said it was a “collective decision” and “they have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.” Starkey, who is 59 years old, was given his first drum set by his godfather, Moon. Surprisingly, he’s now the Who’s longest-tenured drummer behind Moon and the ill-fated Kenney Jones. We heard the Oasis reunion tour is hiring if he wants a new gig.

Starkey is ‘surprised and saddened’

1:30 p.m. Amid confusion from fans about the separation, Zak Starkey has released a statement that further puts the blame on Roger Daltrey. “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,” he said. “They’ve been like family to me.” In January, Starkey says he suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in his bass-drum calf. “This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running,” he continued. “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?” Starkey will take time off to be with his family and focus more on personal projects, such as an upcoming autobiography. (We guess the Oasis tour is a no, then.) “29 years at any job is a good old run,” he concluded, “and I wish them the best.”

Related

• The Most Overlooked and Transformative of the Who, According to Roger Daltrey
• Kenney Jones Reflects on the ‘Fondness and Sadness’ of His Who Era