Zak Starkey Bids Farewell to The Who After Nearly 30 Years

In a significant turn of events for the rock music community, Zak Starkey has announced his departure from The Who after nearly three decades of drumming for the legendary band. The son of iconic Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, Starkey confirmed his exit following a serious medical emergency that prompted him to reassess his future with the group.

Starkey expressed pride in his long tenure with The Who, stating, “I’m very proud of my near 30 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.” His heartfelt words reflect the deep connection he has developed not only with the band but also with its storied history.

The drummer’s health scare came to light when he revealed that he had suffered from blood clots in his right calf, which he referred to as his “bass drum calf.” Fortunately, Starkey has fully recovered, assuring fans that his condition does not impact his drumming or running abilities. He mentioned, “This is now completely healed,” indicating that he is physically ready for new endeavors.

Despite the personal challenges, Starkey’s departure coincides with recent reports of tension within the band. Notably, singer Roger Daltrey had expressed frustrations during a performance where he struggled to hear over the drums. Starkey responded to these claims, saying he was “surprised and saddened” by any issues regarding his performance that night but acknowledged that disagreements can happen in any collaborative environment.

Looking ahead, Starkey plans to take a well-deserved break with his family and focus on his upcoming projects. He is set to release “Domino Bones” with Noel Gallagher under the name Mantra Of The Cosmos in May, alongside completing his autobiography. “29 years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best,” he remarked, signaling a positive outlook on his future.

This news comes at a time when The Who is navigating its own challenges, as Daltrey recently revealed onstage that he is “going blind,” although he remains grateful for his vocal abilities. As Starkey steps away, the band’s future remains uncertain, but the legacy of his contributions will undoubtedly resonate with fans for years to come.