Recently, Loudwire reported on the surprising decision by The Who to initially part ways with their long-time drummer Zak Starkey, who had played with the band for an impressive 29 years. However, it appears that the band has reconsidered their decision, as they have officially reappointed Starkey, with founding member Pete Townshend acknowledging his role in the miscommunication surrounding the situation.

Key Insights from Pete Townshend’s Announcement

On April 19, Pete Townshend, the legendary guitarist and vocalist, took to the band’s official website and social media platforms to announce Starkey’s reinstatement. He stated: “News Flash! Who Backs Zak! 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.”

Townshend elaborated on the matter:

“Roger [Daltrey, the band’s founding vocalist] and I would like Zak to refine his recently developed drumming style to better align with our non-orchestral lineup, and he has agreed to this. I take full responsibility for some of the misunderstandings that occurred. Our recent TCT [Teenage Cancer Trust] performances at the Royal Albert Hall were somewhat challenging for me. I mistakenly believed that I could fully recover from a comprehensive knee replacement in just four and a half weeks. (What was I thinking?) Clearly, I underestimated the situation!”

“Perhaps we didn’t allocate sufficient time for sound checks, which resulted in complications during our performances. The acoustics at the center of the stage can be particularly challenging. Roger did his best, adjusting his in-ear monitors as needed. Zak did make a few errors, for which he has apologized, albeit humorously with a rubber duck drummer!”

“We are essentially a family, and this matter escalated far too quickly. It’s time to put it behind us and move forward with renewed optimism and passion.”

On a related note, fans can look forward to Roger’s upcoming solo performances, featuring the talented drummer Scott Devours. There had been speculation that Devours might replace Starkey in The Who, but he has consistently shown his support for the band.

“I owe Scott an apology for not addressing that rumor sooner. It hurt him, and I intend to make it up to him with a long drink and a heartfelt hug.”

Pete Townshend
April 19, 2025

Fans’ reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with one fan on X expressing their joy: “So happy to hear that Zak is staying with The Who! He’s such a vital part of their sound and energy on stage.” However, opinions differ, as another follower criticized the situation, stating: “I think Zak should have told them to stick it. It’s not an apology, and Roger was completely unprofessional. Zak’s a top-tier drummer, and they’re claiming he was sloppy, which is nonsense.”

Clearly, Zak Starkey himself is thrilled about his return, as he shared Townshend’s announcement on Instagram, expressing gratitude by saying: “V grateful to be a part of the Who family. Thanks, Roger and Pete xx.”

It seems that harmony has been restored within The Who once more.

READ MORE: Zak Starkey Shares First Official Comments After Getting Fired by The Who

The Circumstances Behind Starkey’s Initial Departure

On April 16, Loudwire reported that Starkey, the son of the beloved Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, was let go due to a publicized dispute with Daltrey that emerged during the band’s recent performances at the renowned Royal Albert Hall.

During the previous month, The Who performed at this iconic venue twice for the Teenage Cancer Trust. A representative for the band referred to the split as “a collective decision,” adding that both Daltrey and Townshend “hold nothing but admiration for Zak Starkey and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

However, another insider characterized the split as “somewhat acrimonious,” noting that during a performance of “The Song Is Over” on March 30, Daltrey halted the song mid-way, stating: “To perform this song, I need to hear the key, and I can’t. There’s no pitch here. All I have are drums going ‘boom, boom, boom.’ I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry, everyone.”

You can watch that clip below.

This incident suggests that Starkey’s alleged “overplaying” may have contributed to The Who’s decision to let him go.

On April 17, Loudwire reported on Starkey’s official statement expressing his feelings of “surprise and sadness” regarding the news of his departure.

He elaborated further:

“I take immense pride in my nearly three decades with The Who. Filling the shoes of my godfather, the legendary Keith Moon, has been the greatest honor of my life, and I remain their staunchest supporter. The band has always felt like family to me. Earlier this year, I faced a serious medical emergency due to blood clots in my right calf, but I have fully recovered, and it no longer affects my drumming or running.”

“After performing these songs with the band for so many years, I was taken aback and saddened to learn that anyone had an issue with my performance that night. But life goes on. I plan to take some well-deserved time off with my family and focus on the upcoming release of ‘Domino Bones‘ by Mantra of the Cosmos featuring Noel Gallagher in May, as well as finishing my autobiography, which is solely authored by me. Twenty-nine years in any profession is a commendable tenure, and I wish them all the best.”

How do you feel about the recent developments involving Townshend, Daltrey, and Starkey? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Additionally, The Who have an exciting lineup of shows scheduled across England, Italy, Scotland, and beyond, continuing through early August. Be sure to check out all the dates and secure your tickets here.