Zak Starkey “Confused” About Dismissal From the Who, But Not Angry or Bitter

In a candid new interview with New York’s Q104.3, legendary drummer Zak Starkey has finally opened up about his tumultuous exit from The Who. After nearly three decades behind the kit for the iconic rock band, Starkey’s departure remains a point of contention and confusion for both the musician and the fans.

For those following the drama throughout 2025, the “in-again, out-again” nature of Starkey’s status has been a whirlwind of conflicting reports. In his latest comments, Starkey admits that the lack of clarity from the band’s leadership has left him searching for answers.

The Confusion Surrounding the Split

Despite being the longest-serving drummer in the history of The Who, having joined in 1996, Starkey revealed that his dismissal was handled with very little communication.

“It was pretty confusing,” Starkey told Q104.3. “And I think they’re still confused. I’m still confused.”

The friction reportedly reached a breaking point following a performance at the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust. During the show, frontman Roger Daltrey grew visibly frustrated with the stage sound, later claiming he couldn't hear the melodies over the drums. While the band initially moved to replace Starkey in April, he was briefly reinstated before being permanently let go in May 2025.

Zak Starkey Responds to “Retirement” Rumors

One of the most heated moments of the fallout occurred when Roger Daltrey suggested to the press that Zak Starkey had essentially “retired” from The Who to focus on his electronic project, Mantra of the Cosmos.

Starkey was quick to set the record straight, famously calling the retirement narrative “total bollocks” on social media. He clarified to Q104.3 that he was ready and willing to tour, and that the decision to end his tenure was made for him, not by him.

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

• The Royal Albert Hall Incident: Starkey defended his playing, stating that if a performance by The Who was “perfect,” it wouldn't be authentic rock and roll.

• Professional Longevity: Despite the firing, Starkey noted that 29 years is a “good old run” and expressed pride in his contributions to the band's legacy.

• Future Projects: While he is no longer touring with Daltrey and Townshend, Starkey is focusing on his autobiography and new music.

The Who Move Forward

As The Who continue their North American farewell tour, they have enlisted Scott Devours to fill the drum throne. Devours is a familiar face to the camp, having previously worked with Daltrey on solo endeavors.

While the relationship between Zak Starkey and The Who appears to be severed for the time being, Starkey remains vocal about his love for the music, maintaining that he is still the band's “biggest fan,” even if he's watching from the sidelines.