Zak Starkey has rejoined The Who. “I accept responsibility for some of the misunderstanding… Zak made a few errors, and he’s offered his apology,” says Pete Townshend.

Zak Starkey Rejoins The Who: A Dramatic Return to the Drum Throne

The Sudden Split: What Led to Zak Starkey’s Exit?

In a move that stunned fans and the music world alike, The Who announced the departure of their long-serving drummer Zak Starkey in mid-April 2025, ending a collaboration that had spanned nearly three decades. The split followed a series of tense performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust, where friction between Starkey and lead singer Roger Daltrey became public. During a performance of “The Song Is Over,” Daltrey stopped mid-song to complain about not being able to hear the band over the drums, saying, “All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry, guys”.

The band’s official statement at the time described the decision as “collective,” while sources close to the situation suggested the split was “a little acrimonious to say the least.” Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, expressed surprise and sadness at the criticism, reflecting on his “good old run” with the band.

Pete Townshend’s Statement: Owning Up to the Confusion

Just days after the public fallout, the narrative took a dramatic turn. Pete Townshend, The Who’s iconic guitarist and songwriter, issued a lengthy, candid statement on the band’s official channels. He acknowledged that the situation “blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen,” and accepted responsibility for some of the confusion, citing “communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with”.

Townshend explained that both he and Roger Daltrey had asked Zak to “tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line-up,” and that Starkey had “readily agreed.” He also admitted that his own recovery from knee replacement surgery may have contributed to the onstage difficulties, noting, “Maybe we didn’t put enough time into sound checks, giving us problems on stage. The sound in the centre of the stage is always the most difficult to work with”.

Behind the Curtain: What Went Wrong at Royal Albert Hall?

The root of the drama can be traced back to The Who’s performances at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2025. The shows, part of the Teenage Cancer Trust series, were challenging for the band. Townshend’s recent surgery left him less than fully recovered, and the group struggled with technical issues, particularly with stage sound and in-ear monitors. Daltrey’s frustration with the drumming was aired publicly, while Townshend later clarified that “Roger did nothing wrong but fiddle with his in-ear monitors. Zak made a few mistakes and he has apologised, albeit with a rubber duck drummer”.

Starkey himself revealed he had been suffering from blood clots in his right calf earlier in the year, though he insisted this did not affect his playing. The band’s request for a style adjustment was not met with resistance; rather, it was the miscommunication and the speed with which rumors spread that fueled the crisis.

The Fastest Reinstatement in Rock? Zak’s Triumphant Return

In what may be one of the shortest firings in rock history, Zak Starkey was officially welcomed back into The Who less than a week after his departure. Townshend’s “News Flash! Who Backs Zak!” statement made it clear: “He’s not being asked to step down from The Who,” and the communication issues had been “aired happily”.

Starkey responded with gratitude, posting, “V grateful to be a part of the Who family. Thanks Roger and Pete xx”. The band emphasized their unity, with Townshend concluding, “We are a family, this blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies”.

Family, Forgiveness, and the Future of The Who

The Who’s ability to resolve internal conflict so publicly and swiftly speaks to the deep bonds between its members. Townshend’s willingness to shoulder blame, Starkey’s humility in apologizing for mistakes, and Daltrey’s professionalism all contributed to turning a potential crisis into a moment of reconciliation.

Townshend also addressed rumors about drummer Scott Devours replacing Starkey, apologizing for not quashing speculation sooner and affirming Devours’ role supporting Daltrey’s solo work.

The Road Ahead: The Who’s 2025 Plans and a Return to Raw Rock

With the dust settled, The Who are looking forward to a new chapter. Townshend has confirmed the band’s return in 2025, promising a “stripped-down approach that harkens back to their earlier days.” After years of orchestral tours, The Who aims to recapture the raw, visceral energy of their classic sound, inspired in part by Daltrey’s recent acoustic performances.

While the possibility of new recorded material remains uncertain—Townshend is eager, Daltrey less so—the band is united in their desire to “make a noise and make a mess and make mistakes” on stage once again. Their recent support for the Teenage Cancer Trust and individual projects show that, even after decades, The Who’s spirit of collaboration and reinvention remains undimmed.

Related Headlines

• Zak Starkey: From Ringo Starr’s Son to The Who’s Drum Powerhouse
• Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey: The Enduring Partnership at The Who’s Core
• Royal Albert Hall: The Scene of The Who’s Latest Drama
• The Who in 2025: Back to Basics and Ready to Rock
• Band Dynamics in Rock Legends: How The Who Handles Conflict and Reconciliation

The Who’s latest episode is a reminder that even rock’s greatest families can have their squabbles—but true legends know how to turn discord into harmony, and keep the show rolling on.