Ringo Starr Comes to the Defense of Son Zak Starkey Against Roger Daltrey in the Midst of Drummer Drama
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/zak-starkey-ringo-starr-roger-daltrey-061925-1-f058996a1d1841b2bd8ab49eb9e65d8d.jpg)
Renowned musician Ringo Starr has recently spoken out in support of his son Zak Starkey amidst a series of conflicts involving fellow musician Roger Daltrey. The drama unfolded as Zak Starkey, a well-known drummer, found himself at odds with Daltrey and iconic rock band The Who, where he had been a part of for almost 30 years. The tensions came to light in the public eye, resulting in Ringo Starr taking a stand to defend his son’s honour.

In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Zak Starkey shed light on his experiences performing with The Who and the backing he received from his father, Ringo Starr. Speaking of his father’s reaction to the situation, Starkey revealed, “I’ve never liked the way that little man runs that band,” a statement attributed to Ringo Starr in reference to The Who’s frontman, Roger Daltrey. The comment sparked further interest and speculation within the music industry.

Zak Starkey, aged 59, had formed an integral part of The Who for nearly three decades before it was announced in April that his association with the band was coming to an end. Despite Starkey expressing pride in his contributions, conflicting statements emerged from band members. Pete Townshend clarified that communication issues were a factor, hinting at a potential reconciliation. However, in May, it was officially declared that Zak Starkey would be parting ways with The Who.
Taking to social media to address the situation, Zak Starkey claimed that he was dismissed from the band and pressured to fabricate a resignation statement. He emphasised his loyalty to The Who and the impact of the situation on his relationships within the music community. The conflicting narratives surrounding Starkey’s departure added a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama between the musician and the band.
Amidst the turmoil, Roger Daltrey and Zak Starkey attempted to clarify their perspectives through a phone conversation, which reportedly left both parties feeling puzzled. Starkey shared details of the conversation on his Instagram account, highlighting miscommunications and personal projects that influenced his decisions. Despite the challenges, Starkey and Daltrey remained on positive terms, reflecting the bond they shared over their musical journeys.
When questioned about his feelings towards The Who following the events, Zak Starkey maintained a composed stance, expressing no animosity towards the band. Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the music industry, Starkey affirmed his respect for The Who and downplayed the conflict, citing past eccentricities within the band as part of their rich history. The resilience and maturity displayed by Starkey underscored his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
In the world of music, conflicts and tensions can arise unexpectedly, testing the bonds between artists and collaborators. The story of Zak Starkey and Roger Daltrey’s exchange offers a glimpse into the complexities of artistic relationships and the challenges faced by musicians in navigating career transitions. Through their public statements and interactions, both parties showcased a commitment to mutual understanding and respect, highlighting the enduring spirit of camaraderie in the music industry.
As the narrative continues to evolve, the impact of Ringo Starr’s supportive stance towards his son Zak Starkey resonates as a testament to the enduring bond between family members in times of adversity. The saga serves as a reminder of the dynamics at play behind the scenes of iconic bands and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic integrity and collaboration. Amidst the drumbeats of controversy, the melodies of understanding and empathy prevail, shaping the narrative of resilience and unity in the world of music.
