Longtime drummer Zak Starkey is back with The Who, just days after the band announced that he had parted ways with them. In a new statement, guitarist Pete Townshend confirmed the surprising turn of events, clarifying that Starkey was never officially asked to leave the band.
Earlier this week, The Who revealed that Starkey, who had been a member of the group since 1996, was let go due to disagreements surrounding his performance at the recent Teenage Cancer Trust charity gigs. Starkey appeared to confirm the news, telling Rolling Stone that he was “very proud” of his nearly three-decade tenure with the band and intended to take some “much needed time off” with his family.
However, in a follow-up statement posted on the band’s website, Townshend explained that the situation had been a misunderstanding and that Starkey was indeed still part of The Who. “There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily,” Townshend said.
The guitarist further clarified that both he and lead singer Roger Daltrey wanted Starkey to refine his drumming style to better suit the band’s current non-orchestral lineup. Starkey, according to Townshend, had agreed to make the necessary adjustments. “Roger and I would like Zak to tighten up his latest evolved drumming style to accommodate our non-orchestral line up, and he has readily agreed,” Townshend explained. “I take responsibility for some of the confusion.”
Reflecting on the issues that arose during the Royal Albert Hall shows, Townshend noted that the band might not have dedicated enough time to sound checks, which contributed to difficulties on stage. “The sound in the centre of the stage is always the most difficult to work with,” he added. “Roger did nothing wrong but fiddle with his in-ear monitors. Zak made a few mistakes and he has apologised. Albeit with a rubber duck drummer. We are a family, this blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies.”
Townshend also addressed the rumors surrounding the potential replacement of Starkey with Daltrey’s touring drummer, Scott Devours. “I owe Scott an apology for not crushing that rumour before it spread,” he admitted. “He has been hurt by this. I promise to buy him a very long drink and give him a hug.”
Starkey himself took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing: “Very grateful to be a part of the Who family. Thanks Roger and Pete.”
With the confusion now behind them, The Who is ready to move forward with renewed energy and focus.
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