The Who’s Zak Starkey Axed Twice in a Month—Band Turmoil Unfolds
Gah, I’m spilling my fourth cup of joe because The Who’s powerhouse drummer Zak Starkey has literally been told “you’re out” not once but twice in under a month—and it’s utter rock-and-roll pandemonium! According to the New York Post, Starkey’s first abrupt dismissal came on April 5, 2024, after “creative differences” allegedly bubbled over during initial rehearsals for the legendary band’s upcoming world tour. Shockingly, sources tell Rolling Stone that within days of that split, Starkey — who’s been the backbone of The Who’s live sound since 1996 — got a last-minute callback only to discover on May 1 that he’d been uninvited again. Band management candidly described the whirlwind shakeup as “surreal” and “Completely mad,” with insiders pointing to backstage power plays and clashing visions for setlists as the spark that lit this double-firing inferno.
Fans noticed the chaos when concert listings on Ticketmaster switched from “Zak Starkey on drums” to the vague “guest percussionist TBA,” sending Twitter into a frenzy. “I’ve toured with bigger names but never seen schedule notes flip this fast,” an anonymous crew member told the BBC’s music desk. Meanwhile, Starkey’s own camp remains tight-lipped but “stunned,” per a spokesperson’s brief email to NME, hinting that contractual fine print may have played a starring role.
This drama comes as The Who readies 12 stadium dates across Europe and North America, reprising fan-favorite classics like “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Industry watchers are already speculating whether session legend Josh Freese or even returning original drummer Chris “Moon” Townshend might fill the gigantic rhythmic shoes — though neither has officially signed on. Social-media sleuths dug up rehearsal footage on Instagram showing an empty drum riser surrounded by stray coffee cups (classic Aunt poisoning?).
Beyond the public spectacle, insiders tell Billboard that trust among bandmates is fraying. One long-time roadie whispered, “It’s one thing to swap out players once. Doing it twice in a four-week sprint? That’s management flirting with disaster.” Yet, ever the trooper, Starkey could headline his own drum clinic tour instead of chasing Who amps, and fans would still line up for tickets.
As we await an official statement from Pete Townshend or Roger Daltrey — or heck, maybe a surprise cameo on The Late Show — this saga feels far from over. Will The Who patch things up or roll the dice with a fresh stick-shaking superstar? Keep your eyes peeled and your coffee hot, because Auntie’s heart can’t take another late-night firing shocker!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Rolling Stone, BBC News, NME
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
