This summer, the drummer seat belongs to Scott Devours, an experienced and deeply respected player whose journey with the WHO band has come full circle.
Scott Devours isn’t new to this world. He’s spent years behind the kit with acts like Oleander and IMA Robot, but his history with The Who runs deeper. In 2013, he was called in at the last minute to fill in for Zak Starkey during the Quadrophenia and More tour. With just a few days to prepare, he stepped onstage and delivered a performance that won over sceptical fans and impressed even the band’s inner circle. Since then, he’s been a regular behind Roger Daltrey during solo tours, keeping the heartbeat of the music alive night after night.
Now, more than a decade later, Devours is returning to The Who as their chosen drummer for a 22-date farewell across the U.S. and Canada. The tour, titled The Song Is Over, marks what could be the final bow for the band’s legendary lineup.
The change comes after Zak Starkey’s sudden and controversial exit earlier this year. Longtime guitarist Pete Townshend spoke publicly about the decision, citing miscommunication and a need for a new direction. Though the band’s initial statements framed it as mutual, Starkey later claimed he was asked to go along with a scripted version of events. The fallout sparked debate among fans, many of whom had come to view Starkey as a natural heir to the drummer’s seat once filled by Keith Moon.
Devours acknowledged the emotional complexity of stepping in. In his own words, it was “a tsunami of emotions”: gratitude, pressure, excitement, and a real awareness of what this role means. He’s not blind to how personal this is for many lifelong fans. But he’s stepping forward with respect and resolve, committed to honouring those who came before him: Moon, Kenney Jones, Simon Phillips, and Starkey. His goal isn’t to copy or compete. It’s to support the music and the legacy in the most honest way he can.
Backing him on this tour is SONOR, the drum company that has now officially partnered with Devours. His very first professional touring kit, at just 18 years old, was a SONOR. For this run, he’s chosen components from their Vintage Series, Kompressor snares, and Giant Step pedals, crafting a setup that feels like home.