December 20, 2024
Ed Sheeran: a name synonymous with heartfelt lyrics, soul-stirring melodies, and a remarkable journey of turning personal stories into global anthems. From humble beginnings in Halifax, West...
Read more
December 20, 2024
The highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation has not only reignited excitement for the beloved Broadway musical but has also become a cultural sensation, making waves in the music and film...
Read more
December 20, 2024
Bruno Mars is no stranger to collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry, and his recent projects with Lady Gaga and Rosé have cemented his role as a genre-blending hitmaker...
Read more
December 20, 2024
In an era where pop music often celebrates perfection, Conan Gray has emerged as a beacon of authenticity. With his introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and relatable vulnerability, Conan has...
Read more
December 20, 2024
In every team, there’s always that one person who becomes the heart and soul of the group. For many, that person is Boss Man Dlo. Whether you’ve heard his name shouted across courts, mentioned in...
Read more
December 8, 2024
Kesha is back, and she’s making a powerful statement with her latest single, Delusional. The track, released today, marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the pop icon, blending her...
Read more
December 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of pop music, Nessa Barrett has emerged as a powerful force who isn’t afraid to express the rawest parts of herself. From her early days as a social media personality to...
Read more
December 8, 2024
Lola Young has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in the UK music scene. With her soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and unapologetic presence, she is reshaping the boundaries of soul...
Read more
December 8, 2024
Born in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, in 1981, Alicia Keys emerged as a powerful force in the music industry just two decades later. Her debut album, *Songs in A Minor*, released in 2001 on RCA Records...
Read more
December 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving world of music, only a select few artists possess the vision and talent to transcend genres and redefine industry standards. Among these trailblazers stands The Weeknd, whose...
Read more
December 8, 2024
Kanye West’s latest video has everyone talking, and at the center of it all is none other than his daughter, North West. The 10-year-old is making waves with her charismatic performance, showcasing...
Read more.png)
The ‘Saga’ in a Nutshell
In April 2025, The Who unexpectedly fired long‑time drummer Zak Starkey during a Royal Albert Hall show, reportedly over performance issues. Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been playing with the band since 1996.
Days after, Pete Townshend, the guitarist, announced that Starkey was being reinstated, citing “communication issues” as the reason for the split. But then on May 18, The Who made it official again; Starkey was replaced by Scott Devours, the drummer for Roger Daltrey’s solo project, ahead of their final North American Farewell tour.
What the Band Says
Townshend admitted he himself didn’t hear any glaring performance flaws, suggesting the real issue might have been poor sound monitoring on stage, not Zak’s technique. He also expressed regret, saying:
“I couldn’t see anything wrong … I have to be careful what I say about Roger because he gets angry… But quite what the story is, I don’t f**king know.”- Pete Townshend
Zak Starkey’s Perspective
In a defiant Instagram post, Starkey insisted he was fired, not retired, and rejected the band’s request for him to say otherwise. He emphasized he had no touring conflicts and was fully available for their fall schedule. He also lamented being asked to claim he left to pursue solo projects…a narrative he simply did not agree with.
Roger Daltrey Speaks Out
Daltrey has since dismissed Starkey’s comments as “character assasination” and clarified that only he and Townshend are permanent members of the band; everyone else is considered a session or touring musician. He also reiterated that Starkey was “retired” voluntarily, not fired.
What’s Really Going On
This back-and-forth is more than just band drama; it exposes how legacy bands operate behind the scenes. When egos, decades of history, and tight touring deadlines collide, things get messy.
What’s fascinating is the conflicting messaging: Starkey insists he was pushed out, Townshend seems confused, and Daltrey is drawing hard boundaries. It raises the question:
In legendary bands, is anyone ever truly “fired”? Or just silently faded out?
Final Take
Zak Starkey’s confusing firing and then re-firing from The Who pulls back the curtain on how complicated band dynamics can get. Despite the public statements, it’s clear there are deeper tensions behind the scenes. And what’s most surprising? Even the band members themselves don’t seem to fully agree on what happened.
In the end, this isn’t just a story about a drummer losing a gig. It’s about how even the most legendary acts struggle with communication, creative friction, and the messy business of letting go.
Whether you believe Zak was fired, retired, or something in between, one thing’s for sure: the beat goes on but maybe with a little more drama than we realize.
.png)
