The Who have officially announced the dismissal of their long-time drummer Zak Starkey, who had been a key touring member of the band for nearly three decades. This unexpected decision follows reports of a dispute between Starkey and lead singer Roger Daltrey that became public during the band’s recent performances at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
Details of the Dismissal
A representative for The Who revealed that “the band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.” The statement expressed that the band holds “nothing but admiration” for Starkey and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Despite this positive tone, reports suggest that the split was less than amicable, with sources indicating that it was “a little acrimonious to say the least.”
Conflict at the Royal Albert Hall
The tension reportedly peaked during one of the performances at the Royal Albert Hall, where Daltrey openly criticized Starkey’s drumming. In a candid moment with the audience, Daltrey stated, “To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry, guys.” This public remark highlighted the issues that had been brewing behind the scenes.
Social Media Signals
On April 13, Starkey took to Instagram, sharing a post that hinted at his awareness of the situation prior to the official announcement. He referenced Daltrey’s dissatisfaction with his drumming, stating: “Heard today… that Roger Daltrey, lead singer and principal songwriter of the group [is] unhappy with Zak the drummer’s performance… bringing formal charges of overplaying and is literally going to zak the drummer.”
Impact of Health Issues
Starkey, now 59, had been a staple in The Who since their return to the stage in 1996. However, some reports suggest that his playing style may have changed following a health scare earlier this year when he developed a blood clot in his leg. This condition forced him to cancel a scheduled appearance with another band, Mantra Of The Cosmos, raising questions about whether his recent performances were affected by his health challenges.
Conclusion
The dismissal of Zak Starkey marks a significant shift for The Who, a band synonymous with rock history and legendary performances. While the statement from the band reflects a desire to part on good terms, the underlying tensions and public disputes suggest a more complicated narrative. As Starkey moves on, fans will be eager to see how both he and The Who navigate their respective futures in the music industry.
FAQs
Why was Zak Starkey dismissed from The Who?
Zak Starkey was dismissed following reports of a dispute with lead singer Roger Daltrey, particularly concerning Starkey’s drumming style during performances.
How long had Zak Starkey been with The Who?
Zak Starkey had been a touring member of The Who for 29 years, joining the band in 1996.
What were the health issues that affected Starkey’s drumming?
Starkey developed a blood clot in his leg earlier in the year, which may have impacted his performance and playing style.
What did Roger Daltrey say about Starkey’s performance?
Daltrey publicly criticized Starkey during a concert, stating that he could not hear the key of the songs due to Starkey’s drumming, which he described as overpowering.
What does the future hold for The Who without Starkey?
While the band has expressed admiration for Starkey, it remains to be seen how they will adjust their lineup and sound moving forward.
