Zak Starkey’s dedication to The Who led him to decline the opportunity to participate in the highly anticipated Oasis reunion, only to find himself without either role in the end. This situation highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the challenges faced by artists.

In April, Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, was dismissed from The Who after Roger Daltrey, the band’s iconic vocalist, expressed dissatisfaction with his performance of the track “The Song Is Over” during a live show in London. Although Starkey was quickly reinstated following comments from Pete Townshend regarding a misunderstanding, he ultimately faced a second dismissal, which resulted in Scott Devours stepping in as his replacement.

In a recent conversation with the Telegraph, Starkey reflected on the chaotic dynamics within The Who and mentioned that Daltrey hinted at the possibility of him returning to the band in the future. This insight underscores the complexities and shifting relationships often present in long-standing musical groups.

READ MORE: Explore the Best Song on Every Album by The Who, a comprehensive guide for fans.

Starkey was a part of Oasis from 2004 to 2008, and his current musical endeavor, Mantra of the Cosmos, features contributions from Noel Gallagher. When asked if he would have joined the reunion had he not been involved with The Who, he affirmed, “Of course. Of course.” This statement emphasizes his passion for music and his desire to connect with audiences through both bands.

He elaborated, “What happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong.” Starkey explained that he had proposed performing the seldom-played track as a special treat for the audience. However, the band’s aversion to rehearsals led to Daltrey coming in “a bar early,” which caused the performance issues.

“I received a call from…the manager, [and] who said, ‘It’s my unfortunate duty to inform you…that you won’t be needed from now on. Roger says you dropped some beats.’ After watching the show, I couldn’t identify any dropped beats. Then Pete was compelled to support the decision because he has spent 60 years navigating disputes with Roger,” Starkey recounted, shedding light on the band’s internal conflicts.

Insights from Roger Daltrey Regarding Zak Starkey’s Dismissal

Following his conversations with Townshend about wanting to rejoin The Who, Starkey revealed that he was made to accept responsibility for Daltrey’s mistake. He was later informed, “Roger says he can’t work with you anymore, and we’d like you to issue another statement saying you’re leaving to focus on your other projects.” This illustrates the often complicated and challenging nature of communication within the band.

Reflecting on his experiences, the drummer remarked that this chaotic process is just part of The Who’s unique methodology, and he still considers the band to be “family.” Starkey stated, “I don’t blame anyone. I blame The Who because they’re unpredictable, aggressive, and a bit insane,” while also confirming his willingness to return if the opportunity arises.

He added, “I spoke to Roger last week, and he mentioned, ‘Don’t take your drums out of [our] the warehouse yet in case we need you.’ I responded, ‘Best let me know.’” This exchange reflects the ongoing relationship and potential for future collaboration between Starkey and the band.