The Who, one of rock music’s most enduring and influential bands, finds itself once again navigating complex internal dynamics concerning its long-serving drummer, Zak Starkey. After a period marked by reports of his dismissal, subsequent rehiring, and a second reported firing within the span of roughly a year, Starkey now appears to be firmly back in the fold. This latest development comes on the heels of statements from lead singer Roger Daltrey and confirmation from Starkey himself, suggesting a potential European leg for the band’s "The Song Is Over" farewell tour and a renewed stability in the lineup.
A Volatile Year: The Drummer’s Revolving Door
The past twelve months have been particularly turbulent for the relationship between The Who and Zak Starkey, presenting a public spectacle of uncertainty that is uncharacteristic for a band with such a storied history. Reports began circulating in late 2022 that Starkey, who has been the band’s touring and recording drummer for nearly three decades, had been dismissed. The initial reason cited by various music news outlets, including Stereogum, was "overplaying" at recent shows – a curious accusation given The Who’s historical reliance on powerful, often flamboyant drumming, particularly in the shadow of their original, legendary sticksman, Keith Moon.
This initial report, which surfaced around October 2022, quickly generated significant discussion among fans and within the music industry. However, the situation took a swift and confusing turn. Within days of the initial reports, Stereogum and other publications reported that Starkey had been rehired, seemingly resolving the brief but public internal dispute. This reversal offered a momentary sigh of relief for fans who had grown accustomed to Starkey’s presence and his ability to channel the band’s raw energy.
Yet, this apparent resolution proved to be short-lived. By November 2022, further reports emerged, again from Stereogum, indicating that Starkey had been fired a second time. The reasons for this subsequent dismissal were not immediately clear, adding another layer of mystification to the band’s internal workings. This series of events—fired, rehired, fired again—left many questioning the stability of the band’s lineup and the future of their touring plans, particularly as they had embarked on what was widely understood to be a final major tour.
Current Developments: Rehearsals and Renewed Commitment
The latest chapter in this unfolding saga unfolded on Wednesday, August 26, when Roger Daltrey performed a solo show at Las Vegas’ Encore Theater. During his performance, Daltrey addressed the audience, providing an update on The Who’s recent activities. He revealed that the band had recently rehearsed with Zak Starkey in preparation for a potential European leg of their "The Song Is Over" farewell tour. Daltrey’s assessment of the rehearsal was unequivocally positive, stating, "It sounded great," according to a review published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
This public declaration from Daltrey marked the first concrete indication from a core band member that Starkey was back in the fold. Starkey himself quickly corroborated Daltrey’s statement and expressed his enthusiasm. He posted a picture of the Las Vegas Review-Journal article on his Instagram account, adding a personal caption: "Nice one Rog x. Lookin forward to tearin it up with The Who again..The rehearsal was great.. I don’t think we’ve ever rehearsed as tough as that .. usually we drink tea and talk about what time we’re going home! Fantastic vocal from Roger here on his song ‘Certified Rose.’" His comments highlighted the intensity and effectiveness of the recent practice sessions, suggesting a strong musical connection had been rekindled.
Further cementing his return, Starkey provided an official statement to Rolling Stone, articulating his deep satisfaction and sense of belonging. "We rehearsed for an afternoon and were absolutely on fire," Starkey wrote. "I’m so happy to be back playing the music I love with people I love. It’s good to be home." These statements from both Daltrey and Starkey paint a picture of mutual respect, strong musical chemistry, and a renewed commitment to The Who’s future touring endeavors.
Background Context: The Who’s Rhythmic Foundation and Starkey’s Legacy
To fully appreciate the significance of Zak Starkey’s role and the recent fluctuations in his status, it is essential to understand the unique history of The Who’s drumming position. The band’s original drummer, Keith Moon, was a force of nature, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and explosive drummers in rock history. His wild, unpredictable, and technically brilliant style was integral to The Who’s sound and live performance from their inception in 1964 until his untimely death in 1978 at the age of 32. Moon’s legacy cast a long shadow, making the role of any subsequent drummer incredibly challenging.
Following Moon’s passing, The Who initially recruited Kenney Jones (formerly of Small Faces and Faces) for a brief period, recording Face Dances (1981) and It’s Hard (1982) and touring with him. After the band’s initial "farewell" tour in 1982, they largely operated with session musicians or for one-off events. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that a more permanent touring drummer emerged in the form of Zak Starkey.
Zak Starkey, born in 1965, carries a significant musical lineage as the son of The Beatles’ legendary drummer, Ringo Starr. Despite his famous father, Starkey forged his own path, developing a powerful and distinct drumming style. He first began working with The Who in 1996, joining them for a series of shows and quickly proving his mettle. His ability to evoke the spirit and energy of Keith Moon without merely imitating him earned him widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, and crucially, from Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. Townshend, in particular, has often praised Starkey for understanding the nuances of The Who’s music and for his ability to propel the band forward with an intensity reminiscent of Moon.
Over nearly three decades, Starkey became the longest-serving drummer for The Who since Keith Moon, participating in numerous tours, including their major 50th-anniversary celebrations, and contributing to their most recent studio albums, Endless Wire (2006) and Who (2019). His consistent presence provided a stable rhythmic backbone for the band’s later career, making the recent reports of his dismissal all the more perplexing.
The "Overplaying" Dilemma: Balancing Legacy and Current Sound
The initial report of Starkey’s firing due to "overplaying" raises interesting questions about the evolving sound and dynamics of The Who. While Keith Moon was famously exuberant and often played with a maximalist approach, The Who of the 21st century is a different entity. Roger Daltrey’s vocal range, while still formidable, has naturally evolved with age, and Pete Townshend’s compositions sometimes lean towards more nuanced arrangements.
"Overplaying" in this context could refer to a perceived lack of sensitivity to these changes, or perhaps an intensity that overshadowed Daltrey’s vocals or Townshend’s intricate guitar work. However, it’s also true that The Who’s live show has always thrived on high energy and powerful delivery, elements that Starkey has consistently provided. His drumming is known for its forcefulness and precision, mirroring the band’s iconic sound. The internal debate, if indeed "overplaying" was the genuine point of contention, highlights the delicate balance an iconic band must strike between honoring its past sound and adapting to its present capabilities. For a drummer stepping into Moon’s shoes, the line between channeling that explosive energy and becoming too busy is a fine one.
Implications for The Who’s "The Song Is Over" Tour and Future
The apparent reinstatement of Zak Starkey has significant implications for The Who’s ongoing "The Song Is Over" tour. This tour, which has been presented as a potential final series of major performances for the band, has seen them traverse North America and the UK. The addition of a European leg, as hinted by Daltrey, would extend this farewell journey, allowing more fans across the continent to experience the band live one last time.
A stable and experienced rhythm section is paramount for any touring band, especially one of The Who’s caliber, performing complex material night after night. Starkey’s long history with the band means he intimately understands their catalog, the intricate arrangements, and the specific cues necessary for a tight live performance. His return provides crucial continuity and familiarity, both for the band members and for their dedicated fanbase. The public nature of the recent disagreements, while initially unsettling, now appears to have concluded with a resolution that prioritizes musical cohesion and the band’s ability to deliver a high-quality performance.
For Pete Townshend, who has often expressed a pragmatic view of The Who’s touring life while consistently upholding high musical standards, Starkey’s presence is undoubtedly a significant factor. While Townshend has not yet publicly commented on this latest development, his past remarks have consistently highlighted Starkey’s crucial role in maintaining the band’s powerful sound. Townshend’s artistic vision and his need for a drummer who can both drive the band and provide dynamic support would undoubtedly factor into such decisions.
The saga surrounding Starkey also underscores the inherent complexities of maintaining a legendary band for decades. Personal dynamics, musical interpretations, and the physical demands of touring all contribute to the challenges. The public nature of these internal conflicts, however brief, offers a rare glimpse into the often-private workings of one of rock’s most enduring institutions. For now, it appears The Who, with Zak Starkey firmly behind the drum kit, is preparing to continue its storied journey, offering fans more opportunities to witness their iconic sound live. The band’s resilience, even in the face of internal volatility, continues to define their enduring legacy.
