Zak Starkey Officially Parts Ways with The Who Ahead of Farewell Tour

Zak Starkey, long-time drummer for legendary British rock band The Who, has officially parted ways with the group for the second time in just a month. The split was announced by both parties via Instagram, though their accounts differ: Pete Townshend described the departure as mutual, while Starkey claimed he was fired and pressured to say otherwise. The initial dismissal reportedly followed an unsatisfactory performance at the Royal Albert Hall, though Townshend later downplayed this, citing technical issues during the show. Starkey was temporarily reinstated after private communication resolved some misunderstandings, but that decision has now been reversed. Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and godson of original Who drummer Keith Moon, has been part of the band since 1996 and was considered their unofficial permanent drummer. The departure comes just months before The Who’s planned farewell North American tour. Townshend noted that the time was right for change and wished Starkey well with his upcoming projects, which include his work with the supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos featuring Noel Gallagher. Starkey’s role will be filled by Scott Devours, who has performed with Roger Daltrey in solo shows and previously substituted for Starkey.