The Who have reportedly made the decision to axe their drummer of almost 30 years Zak Starkey. Founding members Roger Daltrey, 81, and Pete Townshend, 79, are said to have made the decision to part company after their recent shows at the Royal Albert Hall in March. Zak, 59, who is the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, 84, had been the bands full-time drummer since their Quadrophenia Tour in 1996.
“The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future,” a spokesperson for The Who told The Mirror. According to sources who spoke to the publication Zak is deeply unhappy with the decision. “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least,” they said. It is claimed question marks were raised over Zak’s drumming at the March shows, in aid of Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity. Express.co.uk has contacted The Who representatives for comment.
The news appears to have come as a surprise to Zak who just three days ago on April 12 posted an image of guiarist Pete Townsend wrapping his arms around him on stage to his Instagram page captioning itsimply: "What a guy".
However that same day he also posted a rambling message alluding he had heard news of the band's dissatisfaction with him. Posting an image of himself and lead singer Roger Daltry with the words the Daily Who Breaking News emblazoned across the top he wrote a caption in all capitals.
"Heard today from inside source within who horses nose that Toger Daktrey (stet) lead singer and principal songwriter of the group unhappy with Zak the drummer's performance at Albert Hall a few weeks ago. Is bringing formal charges of overplaying and is literally going to Zak the drummer and bring on a reserve from 'The Burwash Skiffle 'n' Tickle Glee Club Harmony Without Empathy Allstars'. This has been conformed by Whose (stet) long time manager Willya Youwontyouknow," (sic) he wrote.
The erratic message left his followers confused with many asking what he was talking about.
Zak has also played with Oasis, joining them in 2004 to fill the void left by long-time member Alan White’s departure before the band split in 2009.
He has also worked with The Smiths legend Johnny Marr, the Icicle Works, the Lightning Seeds, and the Semantics.
The Who's Albert Hall gigs, which are said to be the source of the friction between the band and Zak, saw frontman Roger give a major health update as he declared to fans "he's going blind".
He admitted his purple-tinted glasses served more than just a stylish purpose. "The joys of getting old," he remarked, before spilling his personal battles. "Not only am I going deaf, I'm also now going blind."
"Fortunately I still have my voice, because if I lose that I'll have the full Tommy!" he quipped.
