Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, is moving forward with a whole new chapter in his music journey—this time, teaming up with the sons of Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

After his rocky departure from The Who (again), Zak has revealed that he’s now collaborating with James McCartney and Sean Lennon on new music, and the trio has already worked together on a song.

The Beatles’ Sons Come Together

In a recent interview, Zak, now 59, admitted that he’d initially dismissed the idea of forming a group with fellow Beatles offspring.

“I thought it was a daft idea,” he said, explaining how he feared being judged forever for stepping into such iconic shoes.

But after growing close with James over the past ten years and Sean more recently, the bond turned into something creative.

Their first collaboration came on a track called Rip Off. Zak said, “We were nervous in case there was no chemistry—but there was loads.

It sounded great.” He was blown away by James’ vocals, calling them “so powerful it nearly blew me off my seat.”

Rock Royalty Drama with The Who

The collaboration news follows Zak’s dramatic exit from The Who… again.

Just last month, the longtime drummer—who’s played with the band since 1996—was let go, shortly after a reinstatement from a previous dismissal. It all became a bit of a back-and-forth.

The Who’s Pete Townshend first announced the split in May via Instagram, thanking Zak for his years of service and hinting that it was time for a change.

Zak quickly took to his own account to set the record straight, saying he was actually fired, not gently released.

He refused to put out the statement management had drafted for him, which falsely claimed he’d left to pursue other projects.

“I love The Who and would never have quit,” he wrote.

“That would’ve let down the amazing people who supported me during all this mayhem—being in and out like a bleedin’ squeezebox.”

“Retired” or Fired? More Confusion Follows

Zak later shared a head-scratching update after speaking with The Who frontman Roger Daltrey. According to Zak, Roger told him he hadn’t been fired after all—he’d been “retired” so he could work on his own music.

But Zak was quick to point out that his schedule was totally open after wrapping up recent work in Jamaica with his band Mantra Of The Cosmos.

“Roger said, ‘Oh!’ and we kind of left it there,” Zak said. “On good terms and still great friends, as always.”

A Legacy Band Says Goodbye

The drama comes just as The Who announced their own farewell tour after six decades of music.

At a press event in London, they shared plans to hang up their touring boots after one last run of shows in the U.S. this summer.

While Zak may not be part of it, Scott Devours will now step in as the new drummer.

Pete and Roger were gracious in their statement, saying Zak has exciting projects ahead and deserves the time to pursue them fully.

But Zak clearly doesn’t agree with how things were handled.

A New Musical Era Begins

While the curtain falls on his time with The Who, Zak’s story is far from over.

With new collaborations underway alongside James McCartney and Sean Lennon, he’s stepping into a project that carries both weight and promise.

It’s not just a nostalgia act—it’s a fusion of legacies, friendships, and genuine musical passion.

And this time, Zak is making sure the narrative is his to tell.