The Who Part Ways With Their Longtime Drummer Zak Starkey

On Wednesday (April 16), the Who announced that they have decided to part ways with drummer Zak Starkey after nearly three decades in the band. The decision comes just three weeks after the drummer performed with the Who during two shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Starkey – son of the Beatles‘ drummer Ringo Starr – joined the Who in 1996, and appeared on albums like 2006’s Endless Wire and 2019’s Who, while performing live with the group for nearly 30 years. “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” said a representative for the band. “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.” Starkey was clearly shocked by the news, releasing a statement saying he was “surprised and saddened” by the announcement, adding, “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.“ (Rolling Stone)