The Who Rehearsed For Possible Tour With Zak Starkey Following Bitter Split: ‘It Sounded Great’
The Who have rehearsed with former long-term drummer Zak Starkey as they consider taking their Song Is Over farewell tour to Europe, suggesting their split may not be final. Roger Daltrey said the rehearsal “sounded great”, while Starkey described the session as especially strong and said he was happy to be playing with the band again.
Starkey was fired, briefly rehired and then dismissed again in 2025 after a difficult period that followed a technically troubled Teenage Cancer Trust performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Who have not performed since finishing the US leg of their farewell tour in October 2025, but Daltrey has said the band still wants to bid farewell in European and other countries; no dates or formal reunion announcement have been confirmed.
In short
- The Who rehearsed with Zak Starkey for possible European farewell shows.
- Daltrey and Starkey both praised the rehearsal.
- No European dates or reunion announcement have been confirmed.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rehearsing together could be a sensible way to assess whether the band can deliver the farewell shows fans hope to see in Europe. If the session went well and the musicians are comfortable working together, bringing Starkey back could honour the group’s long history and give audiences a fitting chance to say goodbye.
The case against
A strong rehearsal does not necessarily resolve the tensions that led to Starkey’s departure, and reviving the partnership could reopen difficulties for the band and its members. The Who could instead choose another drummer or conclude the farewell after the US dates, avoiding a reunion that has not been formally agreed and may raise expectations before any tour is confirmed.
Explained simply
The Who are a British rock band formed in the 1960s, known for songs such as My Generation and Baba O’Riley. The group’s core members include singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, and its concerts have featured several drummers over the years.
Zak Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, played drums with The Who for more than two decades. He was dismissed from the band in 2025 after tensions following a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where technical problems affected the show.
The band has described its current tour as a farewell, but Daltrey has said The Who hope to play in Europe and other countries. The group’s plans matter to fans because they could shape how the band brings its long touring career to a close.
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