Zak Starkey Fired from The Who Again: Drummer Denies Quitting, Band Moves On

The drama started after The Who’s March 2025 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Reports say singer Roger Daltrey was visibly frustrated with Starkey’s drumming, even stopping mid-song to complain:

“All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that.”

Days later, Starkey was fired—but then rehired three days later after talks with the band. Now, weeks after his return, he’s been let go for good.

Starkey’s Response

On social media, Starkey wrote:

“I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to say I quit. That’s a lie. I love The Who and would never leave.”

He also thanked fans and supporters who stood by him during the “weeks of mayhem.”