Zak Starkey Shares His Feelings on Departure from The Who: “I’m Surprised and Saddened”

In light of recent news, Zak Starkey expresses his emotions regarding his departure from The Who, reflecting on a long-standing musical journey.

A Surprising Announcement

Recently, Zak Starkey has addressed rumors circulating about his dismissal from The Who. In a statement to The Mirror, a spokesperson for the band confirmed that on April 15, the decision was made to part ways with Starkey following a series of performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

The spokesperson mentioned, “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.” However, sources close to the situation disclosed that the split was “acrimonious to say the least,” indicating not everything was smooth sailing within the band. It was reported that while the drumming was not the primary issue, expectations weren’t quite met.

Confirmation of Departure

As of April 16, Starkey himself has confirmed the news of his departure, marking nearly three decades since he joined The Who as their full-time drummer in 1996. “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who,” he stated in a message shared via Rolling Stone. “Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honour and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.”

Reflections on Performance

Starkey also expressed his surprise regarding the criticism leveled at his performance during the recent shows. “After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do?” He also mentioned his plans to take some time off with his family and focus on new projects, including the upcoming single ‘Domino Bones’ by Mantra of the Cosmos, featuring Noel Gallagher.

Issues at Hand

Reports indicated that The Who frontman, Roger Daltrey, had voiced concerns about Starkey's drumming style during performances. At a concert on March 30 at the Royal Albert Hall, Daltrey even remarked, “To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry guys.”

Interestingly, the speculation about Starkey's drumming not meeting the band's standards has been linked to his health struggles earlier this year, where he was hospitalized due to a blood clot in his leg. He was advised to rest and take blood thinners for recovery.

Future Prospects

Currently, The Who has yet to announce a replacement for Starkey. However, there are whispers that Starkey could be a leading contender to join Oasis for their reunion tour, although it has been clarified that Joey Waronker will indeed be taking up that role.

In conclusion, Starkey’s departure from The Who seems to resonate with mixed emotions, both for him and the band. As fans of The Who, we can only hope for the best for both Starkey and the band moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why was Zak Starkey let go from The Who? Reports suggest that tensions arose after recent performances, leading to a collective decision by the band to part ways with Starkey.
• How long did Zak Starkey play with The Who? Starkey was with The Who for nearly 30 years, having joined as a full-time drummer in 1996.
• What health issues did Starkey face before his departure? Starkey suffered a serious medical emergency from a blood clot in his leg, which impacted his performance earlier this year.
• Who will replace Zak Starkey in The Who? As of now, The Who has not announced a replacement for Starkey.
• Is Starkey planning on continuing in music? Yes, Starkey plans to focus on his music, including a new single by Mantra of the Cosmos and finishing his autobiography.

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