The Who Fires Drummer Zak Starkey… Again

The unfortunate saga of Zak Starkey’s uncertain tenure as The Who drummer continued with his second firing this year. The Who co-founding guitarist, Pete Townshend made the announcement regarding Starkey’s second firing and revealed his replacement for the legendary band’s upcoming farewell tour.

The Who recently announced their North American farewell tour. Townshend and Roger Daltrey will embark on The Song Is Over Tour spanning 17 concerts throughout August and September. Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, Billy Idol, Booker T. Jones, Candlebox, Feist, Joe Bonamassa, The Joe Perry Project, Tom Cochrane and ZZ Ward will open select shows.

Starkey’s first dismissal from The Who reportedly came in April, shortly after their Teen Cancer Trust benefit concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

On April 19, Townshend posted a statement refuting Starkey’s firing from The Who. The guitarist explained some of the issues he and Daltrey experienced with respect to Starkey’s drums at the Teen Cancer Trust shows.

Townshend’s ended his message by stating:

“We are a family, this blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies.

“As for Roger, fans can enjoy his forthcoming solo shows with his fabulous drummer, Scott Devours, who it was rumoured might replace Zak in The Who and has always been supportive of the band.

“I owe Scott an apology for not crushing that rumour before it spread. He has been hurt by this. I promise to buy him a very long drink and give him a hug.”

Townshend took to social media on Sunday, May 18, to announce Starkey’s dismissal from The Who and confirm Scott Devours as his replacement:.

“After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Scott Devours who has worked with Roger’s solo band will join The Who for our Final shows. Please welcome him.”

Starkey first joined The Who in 1996 for their Quadrophenia Tour and remained in the position most prominently held by the late Keith Moon. Along with The Who, Starkey has performed with Johnny Marr, Mantra of the Cosmos and others, including Oasis, who will reunite later this year.

Reacting to his second firing, Starkey posted a response on social media, denying he quit The Who. Starkey provided a lengthy explanation of his work with other musicians during his tenure with The Who.

“The lie is or would have been that I quit The Who – I didn’t,” Starkey wrote. “I love The Who and everyone in it.”

Read his full statement below.