Just when it looked like The Who and drummer Zak Starkey had quietly parted ways, the narrative flipped. After a short wave of reports suggested the longtime drummer was out, he’s now officially back in the fold, putting to rest a week of speculation among fans and insiders alike.
The initial buzz started after reports surfaced that Zak Starkey had been dropped from the band following what was described as internal tension. There were no quotes, no statements, just a swirl of headlines and radio silence from both Starkey and The Who. It wasn’t clear if it was a miscommunication, a temporary break, or something more serious.
But now, just days later, he’s back. Rehearsals are underway, and the upcoming shows are still a go, with Zak Starkey behind the kit.
For those who’ve followed The Who’s post-Moon era, Zak Starkey has been more than just a drummer filling in. He’s been a consistent, unflashy anchor for nearly three decades, lending power without chaos, and groove without ego. Whether on stage at Glastonbury or in the studio for Endless Wire and WHO, he’s helped shape what The Who sounds like in the 21st century.
Though he’s Ringo Starr’s son, Zak Starkey never leaned on that legacy. Instead, he’s built a reputation as a rock-solid performer with a deep musical feel, something Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey have relied on since the mid-’90s.
Why the brief fallout happened, and why it was resolved so quickly, isn’t public. Maybe it was a behind-the-scenes disagreement, or maybe it was overblown. But whatever the reason, it’s clear now that both sides still see the value in continuing the partnership.
And fans? Most are just glad to see things smoothed over. It’s not easy for a band with as much history as The Who to stay intact, let alone stay relevant. But having a drummer like Starkey on board helps, not just musically, but symbolically. His presence is a reminder that some parts of the legacy still carry forward, not just in name but in sound.
With tour plans moving ahead, Starkey’s return brings the lineup back to familiar ground. No big announcement, no press conference, just a quiet return, and presumably, a loud snare crack when the lights go up.