Zak Starkey Drummer - The Who And Beyond
It was quite a moment when news started making the rounds about long-time Who percussionist, Zak Starkey, stepping away from the famous rock group. People were, you know, talking about it, wondering what was really going on behind the scenes with a musician who had been with the band for a very, very long stretch of time. This particular turn of events seemed to catch many by surprise, especially given how connected he had become with the group's sound over the years.
The situation, as it unfolded, brought up a lot of questions for those who follow the music world closely. Here was someone, a really important part of The Who's live presence for nearly three decades, suddenly not with them anymore. It felt a little unexpected, and there was, so, a lot of curiosity about the reasons for such a significant change. It's almost like a family member moving out of the house after a very long stay, you might say.
Then, things got even more interesting, with different bits of information coming out from various sources, making the whole story a bit more complicated than it first appeared. It seemed that the departure of drummer Zak Starkey was not as straightforward as a simple announcement might suggest, and fans were definitely paying attention to all the twists and turns. It was, basically, a developing story that kept people wondering what the actual outcome would be.
Table of Contents
- Who is Drummer Zak Starkey?
- What Happened with Drummer Zak Starkey and The Who?
- Did Drummer Zak Starkey Return to The Who?
- What's Next for Drummer Zak Starkey?
Who is Drummer Zak Starkey?
Zak Starkey, a musician with a famous family connection, has carved out his own place in the music world, and that's really something. He’s known for his work as a strong, driving percussionist for groups like The Who and Oasis, among others. Born to someone quite well-known in music himself, he has, you know, definitely made a name for himself through his own abilities and dedication to his craft. His story is one of building a distinct career, separate from his family's legacy, which is pretty cool.
For many years, this drummer, Zak Starkey, was a steady presence behind the drum kit for The Who, joining them in the year 1996. He became a familiar face to fans of the band, providing the rhythmic backbone for their performances for almost thirty years. It's quite a long time to be with any group, and it shows a real commitment to the music and the people he played with. He’s, like, a respected figure in the rock music scene, someone whose contributions are certainly recognized by those who follow the genre.
Here are a few personal details about this musician:
| Full Name | Zak Richard Starkey |
| Born | September 13, 1965 (age 59) |
| Parents | Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr) and Maureen Starkey Tigrett |
| Main Instrument | Drums |
| Notable Bands | The Who, Oasis, Johnny Marr & The Healers, Mantra of the Cosmos |
| Years Active | Since the 1980s |
What Happened with Drummer Zak Starkey and The Who?
The news that drummer Zak Starkey was no longer with The Who came out in a somewhat public way, which, you know, got a lot of people talking. Pete Townshend, who plays guitar and writes songs for The Who, put out a statement back in April of 2019 on the band's own website. This statement mentioned that the percussionist was not going to be asked to step down from his role anymore. This was, basically, the first public word about a change in the band's lineup, and it certainly raised some eyebrows, as a matter of fact.
It was confirmed by various sources that this musician, who is the son of the famous Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr and his first wife, Maureen Starkey, had indeed gone his separate way from the group. This kind of news, after so many years of him being a part of The Who, felt a bit sudden to many who followed the band. It was, really, a significant shift for a group that had a pretty stable lineup for a good while. People were just trying to get their heads around what this might mean for the band's upcoming shows and their overall sound.
The band quickly named Scott Devours, who plays drums for vocalist Roger Daltrey's solo group, as the person who would handle the drumming for The Who's upcoming final North American concert series. This move, you know, suggested that the band was moving forward without the long-time percussionist, and it made the news of his departure feel quite definite. It was, in a way, a clear sign that a new chapter was beginning for the legendary rock group, even if the reasons behind the change weren't fully clear to everyone just yet.
The Public Statements of Drummer Zak Starkey
When the news first broke, drummer Zak Starkey shared his feelings, saying he was "taken aback and feeling quite down" about the whole situation. These were his first comments after it became public that he was, you know, no longer with the famous rock group. He had been a part of this Hall of Fame band for a very long time, so it was probably a lot to process. His words suggested a real sense of surprise, which, you know, added another layer to the story that was unfolding.
He later went on to say that he was "very proud" of his nearly three decades of playing with The Who. This statement came out after the news of his being let go for a second time. It seems there was a bit of a back-and-forth about his status with the band, which made things a little confusing for everyone. He also claimed that he had been asked to, you know, not tell the full truth about leaving, suggesting there was more to the story than what was initially shared. This kind of revelation tends to make people even more curious, doesn't it?
In a heartfelt message that was shared this week, the long-time Who percussionist, Zak Starkey, spoke about his unexpected departure from the famous rock group. He seemed to want to clear the air and give his side of things, which is, you know, understandable when such big news comes out. His comments made it clear that the separation was not something he had anticipated, and it left many fans wondering about the exact circumstances that led to this significant change. It was, actually, a moment where the musician really opened up about his feelings.
Pete Townshend's View on Drummer Zak Starkey's Situation
Pete Townshend, the lead guitarist and a main songwriter for The Who, had a somewhat different take on the situation with drummer Zak Starkey. He made an announcement that the band's long-time percussionist, who is, of course, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, was still a part of the group. This statement came after initial reports suggested a complete parting of ways, so it was, you know, a bit of a mixed message for fans trying to keep up. It seemed there was some confusion or perhaps a change of heart within the band itself.
Townshend later clarified things, saying that The Who were no longer dropping drummer Zak Starkey, but they were asking him to "tighten up" his playing style. This suggests that the issue might have been about musical differences or performance expectations rather than a complete break. It's, basically, like saying, "We want you to stay, but we need you to adjust a few things." This kind of feedback can be tricky to navigate, especially for a musician who has been with a group for so long. It was, arguably, a way to keep him in the fold while addressing concerns.
He wrote on social media that the percussionist was "not being asked to step down from" his role, indicating a resolution to what he called "communication issues." This suggests that the initial reports of a full dismissal might have been based on misunderstandings or a period of tension that was later worked out. It’s, you know, not uncommon for groups that have been together for a long time to have these kinds of moments, and it seems they managed to find a way through it, at least for a little while.
Did Drummer Zak Starkey Return to The Who?
Yes, for a short period, it appeared that drummer Zak Starkey was back with The Who, which was a surprising turn after the initial news of his departure. Pete Townshend had stated that the band was not going to let him go, and that they had sorted out some "communication issues." This seemed to suggest that the whole situation had been a bit of a misunderstanding or a temporary disagreement that was now resolved. Fans were, you know, probably relieved to hear that the long-time percussionist was seemingly staying put.
However, the story of drummer Zak Starkey's connection with The Who took another twist, making it even more complex. Just two weeks after it was announced that he had been reinstated, and right before the band was set to announce their farewell concert series, he was reportedly let go again. This kind of back-and-forth is, you know, pretty unusual for a band of their stature and certainly kept people guessing about what was truly happening behind the scenes. It felt a little like a rollercoaster ride for those trying to follow the events.
It was confirmed that The Who had indeed parted ways with the percussionist for a second time, just three weeks after they had played a couple of shows with him at London's Royal Albert Hall. This news was confirmed by a well-known music publication, which, you know, made it feel quite official. It seemed that despite the earlier efforts to resolve things, the separation was, in fact, happening, and it left many wondering about the true nature of the disagreements that kept surfacing between the band and their long-time drummer. It was, basically, a very public and confusing series of events.
Why the Back-and-Forth for Drummer Zak Starkey?
The reasons behind the repeated changes in drummer Zak Starkey's status with The Who seem to stem from reported disagreements, particularly during a live performance in London. While the exact details are not fully public, it appears that there were some tensions that arose during their shows. This kind of thing can happen in any group, you know, especially when people have been working together for a very long time. It’s possible that creative differences or expectations about performance played a part in the friction.
The percussionist himself, Zak Starkey, has been quite open about his feelings regarding the situation, calling The Who "f***ing insane" at one point. This kind of strong language suggests that there was a lot of frustration and perhaps some heated moments involved in the discussions. He also mentioned that he felt he "got it right," while Roger Daltrey, the band's vocalist, "got it wrong," referring to a particular incident. This indicates a difference in perspective on how things should have been handled or played out. It was, basically, a clash of opinions that became quite public.
Despite the ups and downs, the drummer has also indicated that he would be open to returning to The Who, even after being let go twice. This suggests that his connection to the band and the music runs very deep, even through periods of disagreement. It's, you know, a sign of a strong bond that can withstand quite a bit of turmoil. The band's public statements also mentioned that "the time has come for a change" in terms of their drummer, which points to a desire for a different sound or approach moving forward. It’s a very complex relationship, really, full of twists and turns.
What's Next for Drummer Zak Starkey?
Even with the public back-and-forth about his role with The Who, drummer Zak Starkey has been busy with other musical projects. This shows that he's a musician who keeps working and creating, regardless of what's happening with one particular band. It's, you know, pretty common for artists to have multiple outlets for their creativity, and he's certainly no exception. He seems to be someone who just loves to play and make music, which is a great thing to see in any artist, as a matter of fact.
One of his notable new ventures is a group called Mantra of the Cosmos. This new band has been generating some interest, especially since they have a new song that features Noel Gallagher, a well-known musician from Oasis. This collaboration is, basically, a pretty exciting development for fans of both artists, and it hints at a fresh sound and new directions for the percussionist. It's a chance for him to explore different musical ideas and work with different people, which can be really invigorating for an artist.
This new project, Mantra of the Cosmos, gives drummer Zak Starkey a platform to showcase his skills in a different setting, away from the long-standing legacy of The Who. It allows him to contribute to something new and perhaps shape a sound from the ground up. It’s, you know, a fresh start in some respects, and it will be interesting to see how this new group develops and what kind of music they continue to create. It’s a clear sign that his musical journey is far from over, and there’s still plenty more for him to do.
Mantra of the Cosmos and Drummer Zak Starkey's New Sound
Mantra of the Cosmos is the new group that drummer Zak Starkey is a part of, and they've been talking about their new song, which includes Noel Gallagher. This project represents a different musical direction for him, moving into a space that might be, you know, a bit different from the rock sounds he's most known for. It's an opportunity for him to collaborate with other musicians and explore new creative avenues, which can be really refreshing for an artist who has been in the business for a long time.
The inclusion of Noel Gallagher in their new song definitely adds a layer of intrigue and draws attention to Mantra of the Cosmos. Gallagher's unique style combined with drummer Zak Starkey's rhythmic contributions could create a really interesting and fresh sound. It's, basically, a blending of different musical backgrounds and influences, which often leads to something quite original. This collaboration suggests that the new band is aiming for something distinct and memorable, something that will stand out to listeners, you know.
This new band allows drummer Zak Starkey to continue his musical work and show off his talent in a fresh context. It means he's not just defined by his past roles but is always looking forward to what's next in his musical life. It's, you know, a testament to his passion for playing and creating, and it will be exciting to see what else Mantra of the Cosmos brings to the music scene. It feels like a new chapter, a chance for him to keep making music that connects with people in different ways, which is what it's all about, really.
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