In a recent revelation, Roger Daltrey has publicly accused Zak Starkey of engaging in a form of character assassination, expressing that the controversy surrounding the dismissal of the Who drummer was “incredibly upsetting.” This statement highlights the emotional toll such incidents can take on artists and their relationships.

Starkey, who has been a vital part of the Who for an impressive 29 years, faced termination in April following an incident that occurred during the band’s performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

During that performance, Daltrey expressed his frustrations regarding Starkey’s playing style, stating to the audience: “To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry, guys.” This moment emphasizes the delicate balance required in live musical performances, where communication between band members is crucial.

Remarkably, within a week, Starkey was reinstated. Guitarist Pete Townshend clarified, “He’s not being asked to step down from the Who. There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.” This statement underscores the importance of resolving conflicts amicably to maintain group harmony.

However, the saga took another turn a month later when Starkey claimed he had been coerced into making a false statement about his departure. “I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the Who to pursue my other musical endeavors,” he wrote. “This would be a lie. I love the Who and would never have quit.” This statement reveals the complexities and personal stakes involved in the music industry.

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In a candid interview with the Times, Daltrey shared his perspective on the events at Royal Albert Hall and the aftermath. “The sound is controlled by a guy on the side, and we had so much sub-bass on the sound of the drums that I couldn’t pitch. I was pointing to the bass drum and screaming at the sound engineer because it was like flying a plane without seeing the horizon. So when Zak thought I was having a go at him, I wasn’t. That’s all that happened.” This insight illustrates the technical challenges musicians face during live performances.

“It was kind of a character assassination and it was incredibly upsetting,” he continued, reflecting on the fallout from the incident. “Pete and I retain the right to be The Who. Everyone else is a session player.” This assertion emphasizes the enduring legacy and significance of the original band members.

The Who recently embarked on their The Song is Over farewell tour, which kicked off last month in Italy, with Scott Devours stepping in as the new drummer. The tour is set to make its way to the United States, starting on August 16 in Sunrise, Florida, and is currently slated to wrap up on September 28 in Las Vegas.