Zak Starkey and The Who Part Ways After Nearly 30 Years

Zak Starkey and The Who Part Ways After Nearly 30 Years

In a move that’s making waves across the music world, The Who have officially parted ways with longtime drummer Zak Starkey after nearly three decades. Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been a vital part of The Who’s touring and recording lineup since 1996, bringing both his pedigree and personal flair to one of rock’s most iconic bands.

The split follows a tense performance at the Royal Albert Hall in March, where tensions reportedly boiled over onstage. Sources close to the band say frontman Roger Daltrey expressed visible frustration during the set, allegedly calling out Starkey’s drumming for being “too much” and "overplayed." While the band later framed the departure as mutual, insiders suggest the decision was far from amicable.

Starkey himself responded with a mix of grace and sadness. “I’ve loved every moment behind that kit with The Who,” he shared. “I was surprised by the way this came about, but I’m proud of the legacy we built together.” Despite the sudden end, he emphasized that there’s no bitterness—just a shift in focus.

The 58-year-old drummer now plans to step back from the limelight to spend more time with his family and dive into long-awaited personal projects. He’s currently wrapping up an autobiography and working on new music with his band, Mantra of the Cosmos, blending spacey rock with a psychedelic twist. For fans eager to see what Starkey does next, this could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

As for The Who, there’s no official word yet on a permanent replacement. The band, known for reinventing itself through eras of loss and transformation, will no doubt continue forward. But it’s hard to imagine a tour without Starkey’s steady hand anchoring the chaos.

For many fans, Zak Starkey wasn’t just Ringo’s son—he was The Who’s heartbeat for a generation. And now, that beat is moving on.