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Zak Starkey’s exit interview could cause a stir.
The Who’s drummer, who was reinstated after being dismissed in April 2025, announced his second dismissal on May 18 via a post on Instagram. This announcement arrived just ahead of The Who’s own confirmation of Starkey’s departure in their post.
“I was let go two weeks after being reinstated and was asked to state that I had quit The Who to explore other musical ventures,” Starkey, 59, explained. “This would be untrue.”
The Who’s announcement on May 18 indicated that Scott Devours, who has previously collaborated with lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, would take Starkey’s place while he explores other opportunities.
“The Who is moving towards retirement while Zak is 20 years younger and has a promising future with his new band and other exciting projects,” wrote Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend. “He needs to invest all his energy into making it successful. We wish him all the best.”
USA TODAY has reached out to The Who for a statement.
Referring to the fluctuations in his employment status with The Who, Starkey remarked that quitting the band “would also have disappointed the countless incredible people who stood up for me (thank you a million times over) during the chaos of my fluctuating status.”
In mid-April, a spokesperson for the band informed several outlets, including Rolling Stone and The Guardian, that The Who “made a collective decision to part ways with” Starkey following performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall. According to Metro, Daltrey expressed his frustration onstage during one of the shows, citing difficulties in hearing due to the drums overwhelming him.
In his statement to Rolling Stone, Starkey expressed surprise at his firing, suggesting it was triggered by his performance at Royal Albert Hall. Starkey, who has been with The Who since 1996, also mentioned a “serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf” last January, though he reported recovery.
However, the band reversed its decision in a statement on April 19 issued on The Who’s website, indicating that Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, was no longer “being asked to step down.”
“There have been some communication challenges, personal and private on all sides that needed resolution, and these have been addressed positively,” Townshend noted. “Roger and I would like Zak to refine his latest, more developed drumming style to fit our non-orchestral setup, and he has agreed to do so.”
Townshend further commented that the events surrounding Starkey’s firing “escalated rapidly and received too much attention,” and the band is “looking ahead now with renewed optimism.” He also regretted not clarifying a rumor about Devours potentially replacing Starkey.
The Who is preparing for a North American farewell tour titled The Song Is Over, starting August 16 in Sunrise, Florida.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
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