Zak Starkey Responds to Roger Daltrey Over Explosive Who Accusations
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Zak Starkey, longtime drummer for The Who and son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has broken his silence following Roger Daltrey’s recent remarks about his departure from the band. The exchange has spilled into the public sphere after Daltrey described Starkey’s exit as “a character assassination” in an interview with The Times. Starkey took to Instagram to set the record straight, disputing the accuracy of those claims.
For many fans, the disagreement feels particularly jarring given Starkey’s nearly three-decade tenure with the legendary group. Since joining in 1996 for the band’s Quadrophenia tour, Starkey became an integral part of The Who’s live resurgence. His departure, first announced in April 2025, ended an era for the band and stirred curiosity — and speculation — about what happened behind the scenes.
The situation is more than just a personnel change; it’s a public unraveling of a long-standing working relationship. Both men have shared the stage countless times, and their musical chemistry was a key part of The Who’s latter-day performances. Now, their conflicting narratives have cast a shadow over what had been seen as a mutually respectful collaboration.
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Starkey’s Side of the Story
In his Instagram statement, Starkey dismissed any notion that he had spoken ill of Daltrey after being let go. “I didn’t make any nasty comments about Roger when I got fired,” he insisted, explaining that any perceived slight likely stemmed from earlier Instagram posts — which he has since removed. He emphasized that he had no interest in fueling animosity.
Starkey also addressed reports of on-stage tension during his final show, clarifying that Daltrey’s shouting was directed into a microphone used solely for communicating with the sound engineer. According to Starkey, there was no confrontation before or after the performance, and he had already left the venue before Daltrey and Pete Townshend finished their closing acoustic number, “Tea and Theatre.”
The drummer stressed that he was unaware of any dissatisfaction until well after that performance. “I had no idea about getting fired or any problems at all until a week after the show,” he said, suggesting either a misunderstanding in Daltrey’s comments or broader confusion surrounding the events.
The Broader Context of His Exit
Starkey’s departure from The Who in April 2025 shocked both fans and industry insiders. The announcement followed the band’s shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall, with no public hint beforehand that changes were imminent. His near 30-year run with the group had been marked by high-profile tours, acclaimed performances, and his role in revitalizing their live sound.
The significance of his role extends beyond professional achievement. As the godson of The Who’s original drummer, Keith Moon, Starkey was entrusted with carrying forward a piece of the band’s legacy. His drumming style paid homage to Moon while adding his own energy, making his presence a symbolic link to the group’s past.
Reports suggest the tensions may have been tied not only to performance-related concerns but also to personal dynamics. During the Royal Albert Hall charity concert, Daltrey reportedly expressed frustration over sound issues, particularly related to the drums, and halted the performance multiple times. While Starkey’s statement avoided direct accusations, these incidents added to the speculation.
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Closing the Chapter with Respect
Starkey concluded his public response by downplaying any lasting bitterness. While he rejected the accuracy of recent reports, he emphasized his affection for Daltrey, calling him “a fucking amazing singer” and noting that their shared history goes back too far for grudges. His comments conveyed a desire to move past the controversy.
He also pointed out that The Who has already moved forward with a new drummer and is preparing for its farewell tour. From his perspective, the matter should be considered “old news,” and he only felt compelled to respond because the story had been widely picked up in the media.
Still, the dispute serves as a reminder of the complexities within even the most enduring musical partnerships. For fans, Starkey’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter in The Who’s history, closing a nearly three-decade run by a drummer uniquely tied to the band’s lineage — and to its most famous drummer of all.
