What's happened
The Who have officially parted ways with drummer Zak Starkey after nearly three decades. The decision follows concerns about his performance during charity shows at the Royal Albert Hall in March. Starkey expressed disappointment over the split but plans to focus on his family and new music projects.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Performance Issues: Roger Daltrey, the band's frontman, reportedly raised concerns about Starkey's drumming during recent charity shows, stating, "To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom."
- Mutual Decision: While the band's representative claimed the decision was mutual, Starkey expressed feeling blindsided by the news, indicating a lack of warm terms in the split.
- Future Plans: Starkey plans to take time off to focus on family and work on a new album with his other band, Mantra Of The Cosmos, featuring Noel Gallagher.
Implications:
- Impact on The Who: The departure of Starkey, who has been a significant part of the band for nearly 30 years, raises questions about the band's future direction and lineup.
- Fan Reactions: Fans may have mixed feelings about the split, especially given Starkey's long-standing association with the band and his familial ties to the music industry.
- Upcoming Projects: Starkey's involvement in new music projects may keep him in the public eye, potentially leading to a new chapter in his career.
What the papers say
According to Laura Snapes from The Guardian, the split was described as a collective decision by the band, who expressed admiration for Starkey. However, the NY Post reported that Starkey felt blindsided by the decision, highlighting a more acrimonious tone surrounding the split. The Metro added that Daltrey's onstage comments during the charity shows indicated dissatisfaction with Starkey's performance, suggesting that the decision was not entirely amicable. This contrast in reporting illustrates the complexities of the situation, with Starkey's personal feelings clashing with the band's public narrative.
How we got here
Zak Starkey joined The Who as their full-time drummer in 1996, following the legacy of the band's original drummer, Keith Moon. Recent performances raised concerns about his drumming, leading to a mutual decision to part ways after shows for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Go deeper
- What led to the split between Starkey and The Who?
- How do fans feel about Starkey leaving the band?
- What are Starkey's future plans after leaving The Who?
Common question
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Why Did Zak Starkey Leave The Who?
The recent departure of drummer Zak Starkey from The Who has left fans and music enthusiasts buzzing with questions. What led to this significant change in the band's lineup? Here, we explore the reasons behind Starkey's exit, its implications for the band, and the reactions from fans and band members alike.
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Zak Richard Starkey is an English rock drummer who has performed and recorded with English rock band The Who since 1996. He is also the third drummer to have appeared with English rock band Oasis. In 2020, he toured Brazil with U-Roy as guitarist.
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