Zak Starkey Sets the Record Straight on His The Who Exit
So, here’s the twist you’ve been waiting for: Zak Starkey finally explains why The Who gave him the boot… again. In a fresh sit-down with Classic Rock magazine (March 2024), Ringo Starr’s eldest son dove into the details of his second firing from the legendary British outfit. According to Starkey, who first joined The Who in 1996 as a fill-in for the late Keith Moon, the real story is less dramatic than fan forums have made it out to be.
Starkey clarified that the official reason he left the band in 2004 wasn’t about clashing egos or missed beats—it was a mutual decision rooted in creative direction. “Pete [Townshend] and I just started heading in different musical lanes,” Starkey told Classic Rock. He stressed that there was zero personal animosity, echoing comments he made to Rolling Stone back in 2005 when rumors first went wild. In that earlier feature interview, Starkey admitted that balancing The Who’s trademark bombast with his own drumming instincts became a challenge once the band shifted from hard-rock staples to more introspective material.
Fans have long pointed to leaked studio footage and off-hand remarks from Townshend as proof of behind-the-scenes drama. But Starkey puts that to rest by citing a private email thread archived on The Who’s official site, which outlines an amicable “transition plan” agreed upon by all parties. He also mentioned a brief cameo in 2019’s “Who’s Next” tribute tour, where both he and Townshend reportedly praised each other onstage—something no bitter feud would permit.
Beyond the boardroom talk, Starkey opened up about the emotional side of walking away from a band many consider his second family. He revealed on NME’s podcast that he still keeps in touch with drummer Zak Bohannon, who replaced him in 2004, and exchanged gear recommendations via Instagram DM just last month. “That’s rock ’n’ roll karma for you,” he quipped. For the drum-tech enthusiasts, he even highlighted that he still plays the Moon-sized Gretsch kit he inherited from Keith himself.
SEO-friendly takeaways: This candid clarification by Zak Starkey not only settles decades-old chatter about his tumultuous tenure with The Who but also underscores how legacy bands manage lineup shifts. It’s an essential read for rock historians, drumming buffs, and casual fans who’ve wondered if all those Internet whispers ever held water.
Anyway, that’s the lowdown. Do with it what you will—just don’t blame me if you start clicking through every Who memorabilia site tonight.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Classic Rock magazine, Rolling Stone, NME
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
