Zak Starkey Responds To The Who Departure

Following reports of his dismissal from The Who, longtime drummer Zak Starkey issued a statement regarding his departure. Starkey’s exit followed the legendary band’s Teen Cancer Trust benefit concerts last month at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

A representative for The Who, whose lineup includes co-founding frontman Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, confirmed Starkey would no longer play drums for the group. 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.

Starkey, whose father is The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, referenced Moon in the statement he provided People. The drummer seemingly also referenced reports of Daltrey complaining about the loudness of Starkey’s drums at the Royal Albert Hall shows.

Starkey told People:

“I’m very proud of my near 30 years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.

“In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.

“After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do?

“I plan to take some much needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of ‘Domino Bones’ by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May and finishing my autobiography written solely by me. 29 years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”

The Who will perform next in Italy with shows scheduled on July 20 at Padua’s Stadio Euganeo and on July 22 at Milan’s SNAI San Siro Racecourse.