In a surprising twist that’s left fans of The Who scratching their heads, it seems one of the band’s longest-standing members, drummer Zak Starkey, has been shown the door. And if the rumors are true, it wasn’t exactly a graceful exit.
A Sudden Split After Decades of Playing Together
Zak Starkey, who’s been rocking the drums with The Who for almost 30 years, has reportedly been let go after two recent performances at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Sources say there was a major falling out behind the scenes, and while the audience may have been loving the shows, things were apparently tense backstage.
Band Confirms Exit but Keeps It Diplomatic
A spokesperson shared with The Mirror that the decision to part ways with Zak was a mutual one made after their recent gigs, and that the band holds “nothing but admiration” for him.
They also wished him all the best for the future.
Sounds polite—but insiders are hinting there’s more drama than meets the eye.
Rumors of Friction and Drumming Criticism
One source claimed the decision wasn’t as friendly as the statement suggested, describing the situation as “a little acrimonious, to say the least.”
It’s also been rumored that Zak’s drumming didn’t quite meet expectations during the Royal Albert Hall shows, with whispers that the performance level wasn’t where the band wanted it to be—even if the fans didn’t notice.
Still, others are scratching their heads at the decision, insisting that Zak, known for his talent and legacy, remains a top-tier drummer and that the move “doesn’t make any sense.”
A Music Legacy and a Health Scare
Zak, of course, comes from rock royalty—he’s the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
But he’s also carved out a serious name for himself in the music world, playing with the likes of Oasis and forming his own supergroup, Mantra of the Cosmos, alongside Shaun Ryder, Andy Bell, Bez, and Noel Gallagher.
Earlier this year, Zak opened up about a serious health scare that led him to cancel a gig.
He’d been diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg just hours before a performance and was forced to pull out last minute.
He later explained that at first, he thought it was a pulled muscle, but after more testing, doctors found the clot and immediately put him on blood thinners.
Zak Opens Up About His Health Battle
Speaking candidly, Zak said, “I am a little bit worried… there is a worry if you move it too much and it hits something major.”
He added that if the clot were to travel to his lungs, heart, or brain, the consequences could be fatal—“you’re in deep sh**. Or deep earth,” he quipped darkly.
Doctors have since instructed him to rest for at least two weeks, and he’s hopeful the medication will clear things up.
What’s Next for Zak?
As for what comes next, both personally and professionally, that’s anyone’s guess.
With his future with The Who seemingly over, fans are left wondering whether he’ll rejoin his other projects or take more time off to focus on his health.
One thing’s for sure—Zak Starkey’s journey in music is far from over, even if this particular chapter with The Who has come to a rocky end.