Former The Who Drummer Zak Starkey Fired Twice Hints Return

Zak Starkey, longtime drummer for The Who, has experienced a turbulent relationship with the band in 2025, marked by multiple firings and brief rehiring. The conflict culminated after a performance of the rarely played song "The Song Is Over" at the Royal Albert Hall, where lead singer Roger Daltrey publicly criticized Starkey's drumming, claiming he dropped beats. Starkey disputes this, asserting that he played correctly and that Daltrey was the one who erred by coming in early and shortening the song, attributing the issue partly to lack of rehearsal. Despite being forced to admit to the mistakes upon his return, he was soon dismissed again as Daltrey reportedly said he could no longer work with him. Starkey described The Who as "unpredictable, aggressive, and insane," yet he expressed no personal blame and still considers his bandmates family. Interestingly, Daltrey hinted there might be a possibility for Starkey to return, leaving the door open for future collaboration.