Zak Starkey Publicly Urges Axl Rose to Return Master Tape of Charity Track Worth $2M

Published Aug 26, 2025 By Joe

Zak Starkey speaking during an interview.

via Cesar Orihuela / YouiTube

Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has taken to Instagram with a heartfelt request directed at Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. At the center of the plea is the master recording of Children of the Revolution, a T. Rex tribute track created for a vital cause. Starkey emphasized that the song, if returned and released, could potentially raise millions for young people battling cancer.

The appeal is not just about music but about the power of collaboration for a charitable mission. With a star-studded lineup and emotional significance, the recording represents more than just another cover song. It symbolizes hope, unity, and the chance to transform creativity into tangible aid.

Starkey’s public statement highlights both the urgency and frustration surrounding the project. While the recording remains shelved, a significant opportunity for fundraising and awareness is being lost. For Starkey and his wife, Sshh Liguz, the cause is deeply personal, having dedicated years to bringing the project to life.

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The Track’s All-Star Lineup

The unreleased track features an extraordinary roster of talent rarely seen together on a single recording. Alongside Axl Rose, the lineup includes Guns N’ Roses icons Slash and Duff McKagan, legendary pianist Elton John, and even Ringo Starr himself. The collaboration unites generations of rock royalty under one banner for a noble cause.

Originally conceived as a tribute to Marc Bolan of T. Rex, the project grew into something much larger. With Slash’s guitar section, Duff’s bass solo, Elton’s piano, and Rose’s vocals, the arrangement was designed to showcase each artist’s unique strengths. Starkey noted that the carefully crafted sections were meant to amplify both the track’s musical depth and its charitable potential.

Its significance extends beyond the recording studio. As Louder Sound reported, this marks the first new studio material involving Guns N’ Roses since their 2016 reunion. For fans, it represents a rare chance to hear the band alongside some of rock’s most influential figures, making its absence all the more frustrating.

“I’ve been waiting seven years”: Zak Starkey implores Axl Rose to return master tape he says could raise $2m for teenage cancer charity https://t.co/Kqv18Bedff

— Classic Rock Magazine (@ClassicRockMag) August 25, 2025

A Fundraising Effort Stalled

The charitable purpose behind Children of the Revolution is at the heart of Starkey’s appeal. Christie’s has advised that the master tape could fetch as much as $2 million at auction, with proceeds intended for the Teenage Cancer Trust. For a cause as urgent as helping young people with cancer, the financial stakes are nothing short of life-changing.

Beyond the auction, the project also included a filmed music video telling the story of a young cancer patient. This narrative element was meant to reinforce the emotional connection between the song and the charity it supports. With everything prepared, the only barrier to release remains the unresolved issue of control over the master recording.

Starkey’s frustration is evident in his words. “If we wait much longer, some of these brave young people may not have enough time to hear it,” he warned. The delay not only diminishes the project’s fundraising potential but also risks robbing young patients of a gift intended for them.

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The Bigger Picture in Rock and Charity

The dispute over the master tape underscores the complex dynamics of today’s music industry, where collaborations between iconic artists can become entangled in ownership and release rights. For Starkey, however, the focus remains squarely on the lives that could be changed through the project’s release.

This plea arrives at a time when Starkey himself has faced professional turbulence, having been both fired and rehired as drummer for The Who. Yet even amid career shifts, he has kept the charity track in the spotlight, determined to push for its release. The attention surrounding his appeal suggests the project is gaining momentum despite the setback.

At its core, the story is a reminder of how music has always been more than entertainment. When artists unite for a greater purpose, their work can raise awareness, bring hope, and directly change lives. Starkey’s message to Axl Rose is simple: return the master, release the music, and let it do the good it was always meant to do.