The Who Fires Drummer Zak Starkey Again Amidst Controversy
The British rock band The Who has parted ways with longtime drummer Zak Starkey, just two weeks after he was reinstated ahead of the band’s highly anticipated farewell tour announcement. This shocking decision was made public by guitarist Pete Townshend, who shared the news on social media, and later confirmed by Starkey himself.
According to reports, Townshend announced that Starkey would be replaced by Scott Devours, who has previously worked with frontman Roger Daltrey’s solo band. Townshend expressed his gratitude to Starkey for his years of service, stating that “the time has come for a change.” As quoted by The Independent, Townshend wrote, “After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best.”
Starkey, who is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, took to social media to express his disappointment and frustration with the decision. He claimed that he was asked to falsely claim that he was quitting the band of his own accord, which he refused to do. As reported by The Independent, Starkey wrote, “This would be a lie. I love The Who and would never have quit.” He also revealed that he had been unfairly let go, stating that his “other projects” had never interfered with his work with The Who.
The controversy surrounding Starkey’s departure began in April, when he was initially fired from the band following a dispute over his performance at the Royal Albert Hall. According to a report by the Metro, Daltrey had complained onstage about Starkey’s performance, stating that he was struggling to sing their final track, “The Song is Over,” due to Starkey’s overplaying. Starkey was reinstated three days later, but it seems that the issue has not been fully resolved.
Starkey has been an integral part of The Who since joining the band full-time during their 1996 Quadrophenia tour. He was introduced to the drums by the band’s former drummer, Keith Moon, a family friend who gave Starkey a drum kit for his eighth birthday. The band is set to kick off the North America leg of their farewell tour in August, with UK and Europe dates yet to be announced.
The news of Starkey’s departure has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians, including Sean Ono Lennon, who joked that “Without Zak it’s like, ‘The Who who?'” Brazilian drummer João Barone of the band Os Paralamas do Successo also expressed his disappointment, stating that it was a “wrong move” and a “worse choice.”
This latest development comes on the heels of another high-profile drummer being fired from a prominent rock band. The Foo Fighters recently dropped Josh Freese, who had been brought on to fill in for the late Taylor Hawkins. Freese expressed his shock and disappointment at being let go, stating that he had “never been let go from a band in my 40 years of playing professionally.”
As reported by The Independent, The Who’s decision to fire Starkey has raised questions about the band’s future, particularly with regards to their upcoming farewell tour. Fans and critics alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding one of rock’s most iconic bands.
The Independent first reported on this story, providing quotes from Townshend and Starkey, as well as details about the controversy surrounding Starkey’s departure. The article also mentioned Starkey’s work with other artists, including Johnny Marr and The Lightning Seeds.
The Who’s farewell tour is expected to be a major event, with fans from around the world eagerly anticipating the band’s final performances. It remains to be seen how the band will move forward without Starkey, who has been an integral part of their sound and energy.
In response to the news, fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to express their support for Starkey and disappointment at The Who’s decision. As the story continues to unfold, The Independent will provide updates and analysis on the situation.
Sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-who-zak-starkey-fired-reason-roger-daltrey-b2753572.html
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