Ringo Starr Blasts Roger Daltrey as “Little Man” After Zak Starkey’s Exit
I suppose someone has to spell out this rock-royalty dust-up for you, so grab a notepad. Ringo Starr, the ever-easygoing former Beatles drummer, has unleashed a surprisingly scathing barb at Roger Daltrey, branding him a “little man” after the lead singer of The Who unceremoniously dismissed Ringo’s son, Zak Starkey. If you’ve been scratching your head over who said what, when, and why, allow me to clear the air.
First, a quick primer: Zak Starkey has drummed for The Who on and off for nearly three decades, filling the mighty shoes of Keith Moon with a propulsive energy that many critics praise. In early 2024, sources including New York Post and Rolling Stone report that Daltrey insisted on a lineup change for the band’s upcoming tour, effectively letting Zak go. The official line cited “creative differences” and a need to shake up the rhythm section, but insiders sniffed a clash of egos behind closed dressing-room doors.
Enter Ringo Starr, who has never shied from defending his boy. During a recent interview with BBC Radio 6 Music, Starr couldn’t resist tossing shade at Daltrey’s decision. “He’s a little man throwing his weight around,” Starr quipped, according to the New York Post. “Zak’s earned his spot a thousand times over.” Music Week also corroborates that Ringo’s tone was part fatherly pride, part rock-and-roll indignation.
Let’s unpack why this matters. Roger Daltrey and Zak had a reputation for tight chemistry on stage—Daltrey’s soaring vocals and Zak’s thunderous fills were staples of every Who show since the late ’90s. So when Daltrey dropped Zak, fans worldwide flooded social media with disbelief. Twitter lit up with #FreeZak, while die-hard Who devotees accused Daltrey of shortchanging the band’s legacy.
Ringo’s response wasn’t just a protective dad moment; it’s also a statement on band loyalty. Remember, Ringo stuck with the Beatles through every twist and turn—so he takes parting ways harshly when it comes from his own rock circle. Pete Townshend, apparently siding with Daltrey on scheduling and creative tweaks, has stayed mum publicly. Meanwhile, Zak Starkey is already teasing a solo project, hinting at new music and a possible reunion if “the stage is right,” as he told Ultimate Classic Rock.
So where does this feud go from here? Will Daltrey apologize? Might Zak’s studio wizardry lure him back into The Who fold? And can Ringo maintain peace between rock’s two royal families? Stay tuned, because this spat has more chords to play yet. Hopefully that wasn’t too complicated for you—glad I could clear that up.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Rolling Stone, BBC Radio 6 Music, Music Week, Ultimate Classic Rock
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
