“The Who” and drummer Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, have parted ways.
Variety reports the decision was made over his performance at a concert last month at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
“The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” a representative said in a statement to the Guardian. “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
Starkey, 59, has been The Who’s drummer since 1996.
Frontman Roger Daltrey seemed displeased with Starkey’s playing during the concert last month, which was a benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust. According to a report in the U.K.’s Metro, frontman Roger Daltrey took issue with Starkey’s performance.
“To sing that song (The Song is Over), 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.”
Starkey, 59, posted to Instagram over the weekend, hinting at the move.
“Heard today from inside source within whose horses nose that Toger Daktrey lead singer and principal songwriter of the group unhappy with Zak the drummer’s performance at the Albert Hall a few weeks ago is bringing formal charges of overplaying and is literally going to zak the drummer and bring on a reserve from ‘the burwash carwash skiffle ‘n’ tickle glee club harmony without empathy allstars’ this has been confirmed by whose long time manager willya youwontyouknow.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
