Zak Starkey “surprised and saddened” after being fired from The Who

By wazup on April 16, 2025 Comments Closed / 256 views

Zak Starkey has issued a statement following news that he has been fired from The Who after 29 years with the legendary rock act. The drummer said he was “surprised and saddened” to be ousted from the band.

As reported earlier, The Who were apparently disappointed in Starkey’s performance during their recent Teenage Cancer Trust shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall. A rep for The Who stated, “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”

Now, Starkey (the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr) has released his own statement to Rolling Stone, detailing some recent health struggles but insisting his playing is on point. It reads as follows:

“I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith [Moon]’ 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. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”