Entertainment

The Who Shocks Fans Again: Zak Starkey Fired for the Second Time in a Month!

2025-05-19

Author: Jessica Wong

Déjà Vu Hits The Who Again!

In a jaw-dropping twist, iconic rock band The Who has cut ties with drummer Zak Starkey for the second time this month, just ahead of their highly-anticipated farewell tour.

Pete Townshend Breaks the News

Guitarist and co-founder Pete Townshend took to Instagram to announce the decision, citing, "After many years of great work on drums from Zak, the time has come for a change." At 80 years old, Townshend offered his best wishes to Starkey, who is 59, implying a shift is needed as the band gears up for the "The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour" set to kick off in August.

Zak Starkey's Bittersweet Response

Describing the situation as 'madness', Starkey fired back at Townshend's comments, insisting that he never quit the band. "I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to say I had left to pursue other musical endeavors. Not true!" he declared. Starkey passionately expressed his love for The Who and the support he received during his tumultuous time.

Behind the Scenes Drama

Despite both men claiming admiration for each other, tensions reportedly ran high after Starkey’s performances at charity shows in March. Rumors have it that Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey were not pleased with his performance, leading to the band’s "collective decision" to part ways.

Health Concerns and Misunderstandings

Adding fuel to the fire, Starkey revealed he faced serious health issues earlier this year, suffering from blood clots in his calf. He expressed disappointment that his performance was questioned given his long-standing tenure with the band.

A Rollercoaster Month for The Who

Just days after Starkey's initial firing in April, The Who surprisingly reinstated him, with Townshend stating there were simple communication issues that needed to be sorted out. The band seemed ready to move forward positively, but fans are now left wondering what's next for Starkey and the legendary band.

Stay Tuned!

With Scott Devours stepping in as the new drummer, fans are left asking: What will this mean for the upcoming tour? One thing is for sure—this drama surrounding The Who is far from over!