Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr’s Son, Says He Was ‘Fired’ Again — and Claims The Who Asked Him to ‘Lie’ About Departure

Renowned drummer Zak Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, has made startling claims regarding his recent departure from the iconic rock band, The Who. Starkey alleges that he was “fired” once again, following an initial announcement of his exit and subsequent reinstatement due to “communication issues.”

The saga began when Starkey announced his departure from The Who after an impressive 29-year stint as their drummer. However, this decision was seemingly reversed when Pete Townshend, the band’s co-founder, announced that Starkey would remain with the group after resolving the communication issues. Nevertheless, on May 18, The Who officially confirmed Starkey’s departure once more.

In response to The Who’s announcement, Starkey took to social media to share his side of the story. He claimed that he was terminated from the band and allegedly pressured to fabricate a statement indicating that he had voluntarily left to pursue other musical ventures. Starkey vehemently denied these claims, asserting his unwavering love for The Who and his commitment to the band.

Pete Townshend’s statement on the matter expressed gratitude for Starkey’s contributions over the years while hinting at the need for a change. The guitarist acknowledged Starkey’s upcoming projects and extended well wishes for his future endeavours. Subsequently, Townsend introduced Scott Devours as Starkey’s replacement for The Who’s final shows.

Despite having various projects outside of The Who, Starkey emphasised that his additional commitments never interfered with his duties in the band. He highlighted the intermittent touring schedule of The Who over the years, underscoring that he always managed to balance multiple musical engagements effortlessly.

The circumstances surrounding Starkey’s departure have raised speculation and questions among fans and the music industry. Reports earlier this year suggested dissatisfaction within the band regarding Starkey’s onstage performance, adding a layer of complexity to his exit. Starkey, known for his exceptional drumming skills, has been a pivotal member of The Who since the Quadrophenia tour in 1996.

Earlier in the year, Starkey faced health challenges when he experienced a blood clot in his leg, resulting in the cancellation of a London performance with his indie band. Despite this setback, Starkey assured fans that he is now fully healed and capable of resuming his musical pursuits without any hindrances.

The conflicting narratives from both The Who and Zak Starkey have left fans and observers bewildered about the true circumstances of his departure. The rock music community awaits further clarifications or statements from the concerned parties to shed light on this unexpected turn of events in the music world.