Zak Starkey is out of The Who – and this time it seems to be for good. On April 16th, Wikimetal reported the dismissal of drummer Zak Starkey from The Who.
The drummer, son of Ringo Starr, was a member of the touring band for 29 years and was fired after reports of disagreements with singer Roger Daltrey .
However, on April 19, the band rehired Starkey, and guitarist and founding member Pete Townshend took "responsibility for part of the confusion," announcing Starkey's return on the group's official website and social media.
Zak Starkey is definitely out of The Who.
However, last Sunday, May 18th, Pete Townshend made an announcement on social media stating that Starkey had actually been fired this time.
"After many years of great drumming work by Zak, the time has come for a change. A touching moment. Zak has many new projects in hand and I wish him all the best."
The founding member and guitarist of The Who also announced his replacement:
“ Scott Devours Daltrey ’s solo band , will be joining The Who for our final shows. Please give him a warm welcome.”
Next, Starkey posted on his social media that The Who had instructed him to make a statement announcing he would be pursuing other projects. The drummer refused to make the statement that The Who's management wanted him to make and posted:
“I was fired two weeks after my reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had left The Who to pursue my other musical projects. That would have been a lie. I love The Who and would never have left. So I didn’t make the statement. Leaving The Who would also have disappointed the countless incredible people who supported me (thank you all a million times over) during the chaotic weeks when I was in and out, in and out, in and out like a compression box.”
The Who details the reason for Zak Starkey's departure.
Therefore, The Who shared a statement explaining the reason for Zak Starkey's dismissal. In a note posted on social media and signed by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, it states that the best solution was to let Zak go.
"The Who is heading towards retirement, while Zak is 20 years younger and has a bright future ahead of him with his new band and other exciting projects. He needs to dedicate all his energy to making it all a success. We both wish him all the luck in the world."
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