Roger Daltrey Confirms The Who Rehearsed With Zak Starkey, Teases Possible European Tour

Roger Daltrey told the crowd at his solo show in Las Vegas on August 26, 2026 that The Who had recently gotten back into a rehearsal room with former drummer Zak Starkey, calling the session something that “sounded great.” The comment came more than a year after The Who parted ways with Starkey for a second time in 2025, and Daltrey framed the reunion as a step toward possible concert dates in Europe.

Starkey backed up the news himself, posting on social media that he was “lookin forward to tearin it up with The Who again” and describing the rehearsal as unusually demanding. In a separate statement sent to Rolling Stone, he said he and the band “were absolutely on fire” and that it felt “good to be home.”

• Daltrey said the rehearsal was aimed at exploring shows in Europe and other countries The Who has not yet formally said goodbye to.
• Starkey had drummed for The Who since 1996 before being let go in April 2025, brought back within days, then dismissed again roughly a month later, shortly after the band unveiled its “The Song Is Over” North American farewell tour.
• Representatives for both The Who and Starkey confirmed to Variety that he is officially back with the band.
• Scott Devours, who normally drums in Daltrey’s solo band, filled in for Starkey throughout the North American farewell run, which ended in October 2025 in California.

What Sparked Zak Starkey’s Split From The Who in 2025?

The falling-out traces back to a March 30, 2025 performance at a Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where the band played “The Song Is Over.” Daltrey reportedly came in early or lost his place during the number and pointed to Starkey as the reason things went sideways.

Starkey has given his own account of that night, saying he actually rushed in four bars ahead of schedule because the drums were mixed too loudly in his monitors. He maintained there was no confrontation backstage and said he was already most of the way home by the time the show wrapped and the incident began circulating online.

Roger Daltrey Weighs In On His Own Touring Future

Daltrey has also used recent shows to reflect on how much longer he wants to keep touring under his own name. Speaking in May 2026, he said that after 17 years of fronting various solo lineups, “a less grueling life becomes more attractive,” suggesting his solo act may be winding down now that The Who’s U.S. leg is behind him.

He was also asked whether The Who might eventually play the Sphere in Las Vegas, and he pushed back on the idea. Daltrey told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that while the band’s management may have discussed the venue, he personally isn’t convinced it matches the kind of energy he wants from a live show.

Roger Daltrey’s Remaining 2026 Solo Tour Dates

Daltrey’s “Great Night Out” solo tour keeps going after his Las Vegas run, moving through California before finishing on the East Coast in late September.

• August 28-29: Las Vegas, NV, Encore Theater
• September 1: Santa Barbara, CA, Lobero Theatre
• September 2: Saratoga, CA, The Mountain Winery
• September 4: Santa Rosa, CA, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
• September 5: Reno, NV, Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort
• September 9: Nashville, TN, Ryman Auditorium
• September 11: New Buffalo, MI, Four Winds Casino
• September 12: New Lenox, IL, New Lenox Performing Arts Pavilion
• September 15: Milwaukee, WI, Riverside Theater
• September 17: Lewiston, NY, Artpark
• September 20: Springfield, MA, Big E
• September 22: Port Chester, NY, Capitol Theatre
• September 24: Washington, D.C., Theater at MGM National Harbor
• September 25: Bensalem, PA, Parx Xcite Center
• September 27: New York, NY, Town Hall
• September 29: Medford, MA, Chevalier Theatre

More Info

• "Looking forward to tearing it up with The Who again." Zak Starkey and Roger Daltrey confirm drummer’s return | Louder / Classic Rock
• Roger Daltrey says the Who are rehearsing again: “It sounded great” | Guitar Player
• Roger Daltrey Confirms the Who’s Surprising Return | Ultimate Classic Rock
• The Who Rehearsed For Possible Tour With Zak Starkey Following Bitter Split: It Sounded Great | Rolling Stone
• The Who Seemingly Rehire Zak Starkey After Messy Split | Stereogum
• Drummer Zak Starkey Is Back in The Who After Messy Firing | Consequence
• It looks like The Who are re-hiring Zak Starkey after acrimonious split | NME
• The Who and Zak Starkey reconcile at reported reunion rehearsals | Far Out Magazine