Zak Starkey has been dismissed from The Who once again, just weeks after being reinstated. The longtime drummer confirmed his exit after guitarist Pete Townshend announced the change on Instagram. The news comes as the band prepares for its upcoming farewell tour.
Townshend posted a message over a photo, writing: “After many years of great work on drums from Zak, the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best.”
He also revealed Starkey’s replacement for the farewell tour: “Scott Devours, who has worked with Roger’s solo band, will join The Who for our final shows. Please welcome him.”
Starkey responded with a detailed post of his own, denying claims that he left voluntarily. “I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue other musical endeavors,” he wrote. “This would be a lie. I love The Who and would never have quit.”
The drummer described the recent changes as a chaotic period. “I didn’t make the statement… quitting would have let down the amazing people who supported me through this madness. In and out like a bleedin’ squeezebox,” he added.
Starkey was first let go after the band’s March performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Singer Roger Daltrey appeared frustrated with parts of the show. On April 16, a band representative confirmed his departure, saying, “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak… They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the best.”
At the time, Starkey responded with humor and frustration, referring to Daltrey as “Toger Dakrey” and joking about being charged with “overplaying.” Still, he admitted he was “surprised and saddened” by the decision.
Just days later, on April 19, Townshend announced Starkey’s return, saying, “Zak is not being asked to step down… There were communication issues that have now been addressed.”
Now, however, the 30-year collaboration between Starkey and The Who appears to have ended for good. The drummer, son of Ringo Starr, joined the band in 1996 for a revival of Quadrophenia.
Fans have reacted strongly online. Some expressed shock at The Who continuing without Starkey, while others welcomed Devours, citing his previous work with Daltrey. On Starkey’s post, comments were overwhelmingly supportive. Musician Slim Jim Phantom commented, “Zak! These guys are whack!”
This marks the second high-profile drummer dismissal in recent weeks, following Josh Freese’s exit from Foo Fighters. Fans have already speculated—half-seriously—that Starkey could be a candidate to join that group.
Related topics:
