The WHO and Zak Starkey Part Ways Again
The WHO’s guitarist and songwriter, Pete Townshend, announced on Instagram that the band’s drummer, Zak Starkey, has left the band for a second time. This news comes after Starkey’s initial departure was announced last month, and his subsequent return to the band.
Background on Zak Starkey’s Departure
Starkey, the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, had been the drummer for the WHO since 1996, including their Quadrophenia tour. Townshend initially announced Starkey’s departure, stating that it was time for a change. "After many years of great work on the drums by Zak, the time has come to change," Townshend wrote on Instagram. "A moving time. Zak has many new projects in his hand and I wish him all the best."
Zak Starkey’s Side of the Story
However, Starkey took to his social media to claim that he was asked to say that it was his decision to leave the band, but "this would be a lie." He stated that he was fired two weeks after his reinstatement and was asked to release a statement saying that he was leaving to pursue other musical efforts. Starkey denied this, saying "I love the band and never would have left. So I didn’t make the statement… The WHO would also have let down the countless amazing people who had come to me (thanks for all millions of times and more over the weeks of chaos)."
A Brief Reunion
In mid-April, the WHO announced that Starkey was no longer with the band after he failed to appear at their show at the Royal Albert Hall in March. However, just a few days later, Townshend announced on Instagram that Starkey was back with the band. He stated that there had been "some personal and private communication problems on all sides that needed to be addressed, and these were happily resolved." Townshend also took responsibility for part of the confusion, but it seems that the reunion was short-lived.
What’s Next for the WHO and Zak Starkey?
The WHO has not announced a new drummer, and it is unclear what the band’s plans are for their upcoming shows and tours. Starkey, on the other hand, has stated that he has many new projects in the works, and it seems that he is moving on from his time with the WHO. Despite the drama surrounding his departure, Starkey has expressed his love and appreciation for the band and their fans, and it seems that he will always be grateful for his time with the WHO.
