Reinstatement Announcement

Zak Starkey is officially back as the drummer for The Who, as confirmed by legendary guitarist Pete Townshend on social media on April 19. Starkey, who has played with the band for nearly three decades, faced recent speculation about his position after some internal communication issues arose.

Clarifying Misunderstandings

In his Instagram post, Townshend addressed the situation, stating, “News Flash! Who Backs Zak! He’s not being asked to step down from The Who.” He acknowledged that there had been “communication issues, personal and private on all sides,” which have since been resolved.

The Context of Tension

The announcement came shortly after Starkey discussed rumors about his potential dismissal, which emerged following dissatisfaction expressed by vocalist Roger Daltrey regarding Starkey’s performance during recent charity events at the Royal Albert Hall.

Townshend further explained that both he and Daltrey had requested Starkey to refine his drumming style to better suit their current non-orchestral setup, a request Starkey readily accepted. “I take responsibility for some of the confusion,” Townshend elaborated, citing his own health challenges which contributed to issues during the shows.

Moving Forward Together

Starkey’s earlier comments to People reflected his surprise over the criticism of his performance, stating, “I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night.” He also revealed having overcome a serious medical emergency involving blood clots earlier this year, assuring fans that this condition would not interfere with his drumming skills.

The Who’s Commitment to Unity

In his social media post, Townshend emphasized the familial bond within the band, expressing hope for the future: “This blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen. It’s over. We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies,” he concluded.

Addressing Rumors

Additionally, Townshend addressed rumors surrounding the potential replacement of Starkey by Daltrey’s solo drummer, Scott Devours. “I owe Scott an apology for not crushing that rumor before it spread. He has been hurt by this,” Townshend stated, promising to buy Devours a drink to mend any misunderstandings.

A Legacy of Collaboration

Since joining The Who in 1996 during their reunion tour, Starkey has been an integral part of the band’s live performances, contributing to their enduring legacy. His return reaffirms the group’s commitment to work through challenges together, prioritizing their musical partnership.