Announcement of Reinstatement

On April 19, guitarist Pete Townshend took to social media to clear the air regarding Starkey’s role in the band. He emphasized that Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, is back with The Who after a nearly 30- year involvement with the group.

“News Flash! Who Backs Zak! He’s not being asked to step down from The Who,” Townshend wrote on the band’s official Instagram, explaining that there were “communication issues” that needed resolution but were ultimately addressed amicably.

Background of the Situation

This announcement followed rumors of Starkey’s potential firing, reportedly stemming from Roger Daltrey’s dissatisfaction with Starkey’s performance at a recent Teenage Cancer Trust charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March.

In his post, Townshend elaborated on the circumstances, noting that both he and Daltrey wished for Starkey to refine his modern drumming style to fit the band’s non-orchestral setup. He acknowledged the challenges from the recent concert, where he struggled with recovery after a knee replacement surgery.

Addressing the Speculation

Further clarifying the situation, Townshend disputed speculation regarding Scott Devours, Daltrey’s solo drummer, potentially replacing Starkey. “As for Roger, fans can enjoy his forthcoming solo shows with his fabulous drummer, Scott Devours, who it was rumoured might replace Zak in The Who,” he stated. Townshend also expressed regret for the rumors that had circulated.

Starkey’s Perspective

Following Townshend’s announcement, Starkey expressed gratitude for being part of “The Who family.” He shared Townshend’s Instagram post with an appreciative message, highlighting the support from both Townshend and Daltrey.

Starkey had also recently addressed the performance criticisms, expressing surprise that there was any issue with his drumming at the charity event. He noted a serious medical emergency he had experienced earlier in the year that might have affected his performance, but confirmed it was now resolved.

Looking Ahead

Having joined The Who in 1996, Starkey has been an integral part of their live performances, contributing to iconic songs from their extensive catalog. The band is now focused on moving forward with optimism as they continue to perform and create music together.