Starkey, who has been a member of the group since 1996, said he was asked to ‘release a statement’ to say he’d quit the band, but claimed that would have been ‘a lie’
23:04, 18 May 2025Updated 23:07, 18 May 2025
Zak Starkey in Liverpool with his band Mantra of the Cosmos(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The Who has responded after Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey claimed he was ‘fired’ from the band again just two weeks after being reinstated as their drummer. Starkey, who has been a member of the group since 1996, said he was “asked to make a statement saying I quit”, but claimed that would have been “a lie”.
The post read: “I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavours – this would be a lie.
“I love The Who and would never had quit. So I didn’t make the statement… quitting The Who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going ‘in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin’ squeezebox x”
In response, an hour later, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey released a statement on The Who’s social media account. The post said: “The Who are heading for retirement, whereas Zak is 20 years younger and has a great future with his new band and other exciting projects.
“He needs to devote all his energy into making it all a success . We both wish him all the luck in the world.
“Scott Devours – Who fans will know him from Roger’s solo shows – will be replacing Zak. We hope all our fans will welcome him.”
Last month, The Who parted ways with the 59-year-old. At the time, a spokesperson for the band saying: “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.”
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However, Starkey was reinstated just days later. Townsend said they had welcomed Zak back into the fold and said: “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!
The Who play to a packed crowd at The Summer Pops, with Roger Daltrey, and Pete Townsend,with Zak Starkey on drums entertaining the fans in 2006
“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.
“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.”
In response, Starkey, who in January brought his group Mantra of the Cosmos to Mathew Street’s Cavern Club, posted: “V grateful to be a part of The Who family Thanks Roger and Pete xx.”