Roger Daltrey has said The Who "love" drummer Zak Starkey after he rehearsed with the band again, more than a year after an acrimonious split that saw him twice depart the group. The confirmation raises the possibility that Starkey could rejoin the band for a reunion tour being considered for next year, marking a significant turnaround following a fallout that both sides described as painful and confusing.

Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, had drummed for The Who since 1996 but his position collapsed after Daltrey complained on stage during a March 2024 Royal Albert Hall show that he couldn't hear the key over the drums, leading to reports he had been fired. Pete Townshend initially said Starkey wasn't being asked to leave, but in May 2024 the band confirmed his departure, which Starkey disputed, saying he had been asked to falsely claim he had quit. Speaking to LifeMinute, Daltrey said of Starkey's drumming that "he's not Keith Moon, but he's come very close," adding that a recent rehearsal was held "to see if we can possibly do shows next year," while acknowledging Starkey can sometimes struggle with life on the road.