The Who Drummer Zak Starkey's Departure: A Closer Look at the Miscommunication and Resolution
Roger Daltrey recently shared his perspective on the situation involving Zak Starkey, the drummer for The Who. Daltrey discussed the issues that arose during a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March, attributing them to a miscommunication with the sound guy regarding the in-ear monitors. He clarified that the problems were related to the sound quality and not a personal attack on Starkey.
Daltrey expressed his disappointment with Starkey's version of events, calling it a "character assassination" and stating that it was upsetting to him. He emphasized that he and Pete Townshend are the core members of The Who, with everyone else considered session players. Despite the challenges, Daltrey acknowledged the impact of Starkey's departure on him.
In April, Starkey announced his departure from The Who after nearly 30 years with the band. He mentioned feeling surprised and saddened by any issues with his performance during the London show. The band's representative confirmed the decision to part ways with Starkey after the Royal Albert Hall shows, expressing admiration for him and wishing him well.
Following conflicting statements and social media posts, Townshend clarified that there were communication issues that needed to be addressed. Eventually, The Who announced Starkey's departure for the second time in May, citing the need for a change. Starkey responded on Instagram, expressing his love for the band and clarifying the circumstances surrounding his exit.
In a subsequent statement, Starkey explained that he had been "retired" rather than "fired" from The Who to focus on his own projects. He highlighted his ongoing music endeavors and the positive relationship he maintained with Daltrey and Townshend. Despite the confusion and challenges, Starkey expressed gratitude for the support he received during the tumultuous period.