Zak Starkey Leaves The Who: End of an Era for the Band
After nearly three decades behind the drum kit for The Who, Zak Starkey has officially parted ways with the legendary rock band
Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, joined The Who in the mid-1990s and quickly became more than just a touring member. His hard-hitting yet precise playing style helped recapture the energy of the band’s early years, channeling the spirit of original drummer Keith Moon without trying to mimic him. For many fans, Starkey wasn’t just a replacement—he was part of the family.
While The Who has always been Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey’s show, Starkey’s presence onstage added consistency and credibility, especially in the band's post–John Entwistle era. He played on major tours, contributed to their 2006 album Endless Wire and 2019 album WHO, and became an essential part of their live reputation.
The reason for his departure hasn’t been made public. It has been speculated that during a recent performance of the group at Royal Albert Hall, Roger had stopped the show, saying he couldn't hear himself over the drum playing during the song "The Song is Over".
Starkey continues to be active in the music scene, particularly with his label Trojan Jamaica and collaborations in the reggae and rock world. Fans will likely see more from him, just not under The Who banner.
