The legendary rock band The Who, the group that brought us the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy and albums like Who's Next, just canned Zak Starkey (yes, Ringo's son) for the second time. That is reportedly in just about one month. What in the world happened? With impeccable music lineage like he has, you would think that Starkey would be immune from getting shown to the door. Well, turns out that "Starkey, 59, was previously let go from the band and then re-hired just days later in April," per nypost.com.
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He has been with the iconic rockers for almost thirty years.
The Who's Pete Townshend Broke The News On Social Media On Sunday
Townshend wrote on Instagram, "After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Scott Devours who has worked with Roger's solo band will join The Who for our Final shows. Please welcome him."
Starkey Jumped In With His Response
He had a different version than Townshend's. Posted on Instagram, it reads in part like this. "I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the who to pursue my other musical endevours this would be a lie. I love the who and would never had quit. So I didn't make the statement ....quitting the who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going 'in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin squeezebox x To clarify 'other projects' yes I do have other projects and always have...."
Starkey firmly maintained that his outside musical gigs did not cause a problem with his participation in The Who.
Fans Had Their Say As Well
Many people chipped in with comments on social media about the ousting of Zak Starkey.
"Pete. I love you. But this was messy as hell."
"I can't say this isn't sad news. We fans must trust that there are reasons that really matter to you and Rog. - Happy birthday early Pete, we horrible lot, really do love you!"
"The Who is now more dysfunctional than Oasis"
"Sorry Pete, I think Roger is the main reason for Zak being kicked out! The same happened to Kenny Jones. I think that Roger has gone a little crazy. I wont attend your tour. This is my silent protest to Roger. Lets be clear, Roger was nothing before The Who. The main drive and creative engine is you. Period!"
There Was Trouble For Starkey With The Who Back In March
Per the outlet, Townshend and Who veteran Roger Daltrey were allegedly displeased with Starkey two months ago. The band did a pair of shows for charity. According to a terse statement, they let Starkey go shortly afterward. He then claimed that he was suffering from a serious medical issue.
Then, not long after, Starkey was right back in the fold - and The Who's good graces - again. Townshend posted on Instagram, "News Flash! Who Backs Zak! He's not being asked to step down from The Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily."
He added, "Roger and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line up and he has readily agreed. I take responsibility for some of the confusion...."
There was also a snap pf Townshend standing behind Starkey, his arms around the younger man's shoulders.
