The Who Rehires Zak Starkey After Dispute Resolution

Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr and longtime drummer for The Who, was briefly dismissed from the band following contentious performances at the Royal Albert Hall in March, which led to public disagreements with frontman Roger Daltrey over technical issues and drumming style. Pete Townshend, the band’s guitarist, took partial responsibility for the confusion, attributing it to communication issues, his own recent knee surgery, and insufficient sound checks. After a period of public uncertainty and statements from Starkey expressing surprise at his firing, The Who officially reinstated him, stating that differences were resolved and emphasizing the band's familial bonds. Townshend and Daltrey requested that Starkey adjust his drumming style for upcoming shows, to which he agreed. The episode, which rapidly escalated in the media, is now considered closed, with the band moving forward toward a forthcoming U.S. tour. The incident highlights both the enduring tensions and the resilience within one of rock’s most iconic groups.