Legendary rock band The Who has parted ways with drummer Zak Starkey for the second time in a month, as both parties confirmed on Instagram on Sunday.
While Pete Townshend, the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, suggested that the split was mutual, Starkey claimed he was “fired” and was asked to make a statement saying he had quit the band to focus on other musical projects. Starkey, the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, expressed frustration over the back-and-forth situation, describing it as “weeks of mayhem,” comparing it to “going in and out like a bleedin’ squeezebox.”
Starkey, who has been part of The Who since 1996, was initially dismissed from the band last month after they reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his performance during a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. However, just a few days later, Townshend and Starkey announced that he would be rejoining the band after addressing personal and communication issues on both sides. Townshend later acknowledged that soundcheck problems during the Royal Albert Hall concert might have contributed to the issues, and both Starkey and lead singer Roger Daltrey had made some mistakes that were later apologized for.
It is unclear why the decision to bring Starkey back was reversed. Townshend announced on Sunday that it was time for a change, stating that Starkey had many new projects and wishing him well in his future endeavors. Starkey responded, saying that he had always worked on other projects alongside The Who, pointing out that the band’s touring schedule had been sparse in recent years, with only two major tours in 2000 and 2006/2007.
A representative for Starkey shared that he is “quite chilled” about the situation and is now focusing on a new contemporary project, his supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos, which features Oasis star Noel Gallagher.
Starkey’s departure comes just a few months before The Who’s farewell North American tour, which will mark nearly 60 years since the band first performed in the region. Of the band’s original members, only Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey remain. Bass guitarist John Entwistle passed away in 2002, and drummer Keith Moon, Starkey’s godfather, died in 1978.
Starkey had become an “unofficial” official drummer for The Who since Moon’s death, and Scott Devours will now take over drumming duties for the upcoming tour. Devours has previously filled in for Starkey during The Who’s performances and also played with Daltrey during his solo shows.
