GREG ZOOBECK

April 21, 2025

Zak Starkey back with The Who days after firing him

Rick & Brad's Daily Rundown, Showbiz News with Lauren Craun, Top Stories Starkey, the who, Zak

“He’s not being asked to step down,” according to Pete Townshend.

Last week, The Who “made a collective decision to part ways,” after a round of shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

“Maybe we didn’t put enough time into sound checks, giving us problems on stage. The sound in the centre of the stage is always the most difficult to work with. Roger did nothing wrong but fiddle with his in-ear monitors. Zak made a few mistakes and he has apologised. Albeit with a rubber duck drummer. We are a family, this blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies,” Townshend said.

April 17, 2025

The Who fire longtime drummer, Zak Starkey

Rick & Brad's Daily Rundown, Showbiz News with Lauren Craun, Top Stories band, Rock, Starkey, the who, Zak

The Who fired their drummer, Zak Starkey, because they were unhappy with his playing at recent shows. Zach had been with the band for 29 years.

The band said it was a “collective decision,” and they “have nothing but admiration for Zach and wish him the very best for his future.”

Zak issued a statement saying he was “surprised and saddened,” but he added, quote, “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who . . . and I remain their biggest fan.”

Zak may have known this was coming. Before he was fired, he posted on Instagram saying the guys were unhappy with him and he was facing “formal charges of overplaying.”