It didn’t take long for drummer Zak Starkey to release a statement giving his side of the story on his reported firing from The Who.
On Wednesday, the band announced they were parting ways with Starkey in what they called “a collective decision to part ways” after a round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall in a statement to The Guardian.
There were initial reports of tension between Starkey and lead singer Roger Daltrey when they played the 1971 deep cut and long-requested “The Song Is Over” for the first time in the band’s history during a March 30 performance. Daltrey said to the audience, “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.”
Roger Daltrey, one of two surviving original band members of The Who, didn't appreciate how Starkey was playing on stage. James Manning/AP
Starkey, who is also the son of Ringo Starr, released a statement to Rolling Stone on Wednesday, saying he was “shocked and saddened” by the dismissal, but expressed gratitude for nearly 30 years with the band. He also touched on the performance, which allegedly puts his former bandmates to their breaking point.
“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, said Starkey. “I plan to take some much-needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of Domino Bones by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May, and finishing my autobiography, written solely by me. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”
Starkey also mentioned he “suffered a serious medical emergency” with blood clots in his right bass drum calf. While it was thought to have impacted his playing style, the drummer stated he had made a full recovery. The drummer joined The Who in 1996, 20 years after the death of legendary drummer Keith Moon, and played on the band’s 2006 album “Endless Wire” and 2019’s “Who.”
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Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com