It looks like The Who are re-hiring Zak Starkey after acrimonious split
The Who appear to be bringing drummer Zak Starkey back after a turbulent split, with Roger Daltrey saying the band recently rehearsed together ahead of potential European shows. The development matters because Starkey had been a central touring member for almost three decades and his departure had prompted public disagreement between the musicians.
Daltrey told a Las Vegas audience that Starkey’s drumming “sounded great”, while Starkey said the rehearsal left the band “on fire” and that he was pleased to be back. Starkey first joined The Who in 1996, but his role became uncertain after a March 2025 Royal Albert Hall show; he was reportedly dismissed, briefly reinstated, then replaced in May by Scott Devours amid conflicting accounts of whether he had been fired, retired or chosen to leave.
In short
- The Who have rehearsed with former drummer Zak Starkey again.
- The reunion could lead to European concerts.
- Starkey’s 2025 departure was marked by public confusion.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bringing Starkey back could restore a familiar musical partnership: he has played with The Who for nearly three decades, and both Daltrey and Starkey have described the recent rehearsal positively. If the band and drummer are ready to move past their dispute, reuniting may also offer continuity for audiences and a chance to resolve the split on better terms.
The case against
The earlier departure followed public disagreement and shifting accounts, so a reunion could risk reopening tensions or making the band’s direction less clear. The Who have also brought in Scott Devours; keeping that arrangement could provide greater stability and give the current line-up room to establish itself.
Explained simply
The Who are a British rock band formed in the 1960s, known for songs such as My Generation and for their energetic live shows. Singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend are the band’s best-known members; drummer Zak Starkey joined them in 1996 and played with them for nearly three decades.
Starkey is the son of Ringo Starr, the Beatles’ drummer, and became a long-standing part of The Who’s touring line-up. His departure in 2025 was marked by public disagreement over whether he had been dismissed or had chosen to leave, and Scott Devours took over on drums. The uncertainty matters to fans because Starkey had played with the band for so long and its members gave differing accounts of the split.
Americas Celebrity Entertainment Europe Music World