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Zak Starkey, long-time drummer with The WHO and son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, has apparently finally lost patience. After he initially fired at the beginning of the year, then brought back – and was finally finally put at the door, he is now in detail. Father Ringo Starr also expressed himself publicly. And with clear words.
Ringo rigid about Roger Daltrey: “I never liked how this little man leads the band”
In one Exclusive interview with Rolling Stone Zak reported what his father thinks about the quarrels. Ringo is said to have said: “I never liked how this little man leads the band” – a clear swipe at front man Roger Daltrey.
The turbulent history began in April 2025 when The WHO separated from ZAK after almost 30 years of tour experience “Collective”. Only days later Pete Townshend rowed back – and explained that Zak stayed. A month after that: the renewed turnaround. This time finally, it said. Zak himself later made it clear that he had withdrawn to concentrate on his own projects.
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Zak himself is annoyed. “I don’t even know if I’m still part of the band,” he says. A conversation with Daltrey has recently brought more confusion than clarity. He informed him that he shouldn’t pack his drums – you could report again. “What the hell? These people are crazy!” Said Starkey. He was flew out more often than the legendary Keith Moon – in ten days, mind you.
At the same time, Scott Devours, an experienced drummer from Daltrey’s solo project, was announced as a new man on drums for the farewell tour.
Missed opportunities: Oasis reunion falls into the water
Another low point: Starkey also had to cancel a possible comeback on Oasis. He had played at the Britpop band from 2004 to 2008 and would apparently be happy to return. “I wrote both Gallaghers: Why am I not part of your band, man?” But it failed because of the WHO affiliation-again.
Tensions on stage: Royal Albert Hall as a turning point
The tensions in March at a gig in the Royal Albert Hall became particularly striking. According to Starkey, Daltrey came onto the stage too early – but then complained about too loud drums. Starkey countered by email: “I saw you on TV-you were out of time.” Despite the criticism, he admires Daltrey’s voice, she calls “laser beam clear”.
He was out two weeks later – allegedly because of “two exuberant beats”. “I watched the video three times – I don’t see the beats,” said Starkey.
A last spark of hope?
Despite everything, Zak does not seem bitter: “I don’t hold anything. It is the Who. It has already happened.” And should you call him again? “Of course I would come back. I said to Pete: You put the bar damn high in the 30 years – what else should I do now?”