The Who and Zak Starkey reconcile at reported reunion rehearsals
The Who's Roger Daltrey and Zak Starkey appear to have patched things up, with the drummer rehearsing with the band again months after his reported departure in 2025. Daltrey confirmed the reunion during a solo show in Las Vegas, saying the rehearsed music "sounded great", while Starkey responded on social media confirming the rumours and expressing enthusiasm about potentially performing with the band again. The development suggests a possible end to the rift that had raised questions about the band's future line-up.
Starkey's exit had been linked to a Royal Albert Hall show for the Teenage Cancer Trust, after which reports suggested Daltrey was unhappy with his playing. Starkey, who had spent 29 years with the band, said at the time he intended to take a break to focus on other projects, including his Mantra Of The Cosmos album with Noel Gallagher and his autobiography. No future Who tour dates have yet been confirmed, and the prospect of Starkey rejoining permanently remains speculative for now.
- Zak Starkey rehearsing with The Who again after 2025 exit
- Roger Daltrey says the reunited rehearsal "sounded great"
- Future tour dates with Starkey remain unconfirmed and speculative
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Rock legends The Who have long been fronted by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, with Zak Starkey – son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr – behind the kit for nearly three decades. Starkey stepped away from the band in 2025 after reports of tension with Daltrey, sparking speculation about who might replace him and what it meant for the band's future.
The falling-out was widely linked to a Royal Albert Hall charity concert for the Teenage Cancer Trust, after which accounts suggested Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey's drumming. Starkey said at the time he was stepping back to focus on other work, including a music project with former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and writing his memoirs.
The story matters to fans because The Who are one of Britain's most enduring rock bands, and any change in their line-up raises questions about whether they will tour or record again, and in what form. Signs of reconciliation between Daltrey and Starkey are therefore being watched closely as a possible clue to the band's next steps, though nothing has been formally confirmed.