{"id":112830,"date":"2025-05-18T22:45:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-18T22:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/112830\/"},"modified":"2025-05-18T22:45:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T22:45:12","slug":"the-who-release-statement-blaming-age-gap-for-firing-zak-starkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/112830\/","title":{"rendered":"The Who release statement blaming age gap for firing Zak Starkey"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

(Credits: Patrick Gunning \/ Dena Flows)<\/p>\n

Sun 18 May 2025 21:01, UK <\/p>\n

After firing and re-hiring their long-standing drummer in April,\u00a0The Who<\/a>\u00a0have released an official statement blaming the age gap as the reason they let go of Zak Starkey.<\/p>\n

On the afternoon of May 18th, guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend revealed<\/a> that the band were letting go of their drummer of 29 years by way of an Instagram post: It read: \u201cAfter many years of great work on drums from Zak, the time has come for change.\u201d This was the second time in two months the band fired Starkey.<\/p>\n

Starkey re-posted the same photo with his own message<\/a> written over the top. It said: \u201cI was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the who to pursue my other musical endevours this would be a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

This saga comes after a public on-stage struggle at a charity show at the Royal Albert Hall, it was presumed the drummer of 29 years had been fired from the band<\/a>. A spokesperson for The Who confirmed his departure at the time, stating, \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Starkey\u2019s response, The Who released an official statement in the comment of an Instagram post that brandished the logo for their upcoming farewell tour. The statement began: \u201cThe Who are heading for retirement, whereas Zak is 20yrs younger and has a great future with his new band and other exciting projects.\u201d<\/p>\n

It continued: \u201cHe needs to devote all his energy into making it all a success. We both wish him all the luck in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

In his original post, Townshend had mentioned that Scott Devours would replace Starkey on future show dates. Devours had been rumoured to be Starkey\u2019s replacement the first time he was \u201cfired\u201d. Now, the official statement reveals this was true: \u201cScott Devours \u2013 Who fans will know him from Roger\u2019s solo shows \u2013 will be replacing Zak. We hope all our fans will welcome him.\u201d<\/p>\n

They sign the post off, simply: \u201cPete Townshend and Roger Daltrey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related Topics<\/p>\n

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