Ringo Starr Criticizes Who's Roger Daltrey Amid Son's Multiple Firings

Zak Starkey, longtime drummer for The Who, was fired, re-hired, and then fired again this year following a contentious Royal Albert Hall performance where Roger Daltrey complained about the drum volume. Starkey has denied retiring and insists he was unfairly dismissed, with his father, Ringo Starr, openly criticizing Daltrey by calling him a "little man" and expressing disapproval of how he runs the band. Despite the turmoil, Starkey holds no grudges against Daltrey or Pete Townshend, describing The Who as "the maddest band there’s ever been" with an "addiction to friction." Townshend announced the final replacement of Starkey with Scott Devours for The Who's upcoming farewell tour. Starkey has also faced challenges outside of The Who, missing out on Oasis's 2025 reunion tour, but remains active with his supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos. Throughout the ordeal, Ringo Starr has been a supportive figure, standing up for his son amid the public and internal band disputes.