The Who Drama: Roger Daltrey Responds to Zak Starkey's Departure
Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of The Who, expressed his distress over comments made by former drummer Zak Starkey after his departure from the band. Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, was dismissed from the group twice in quick succession earlier this year. The reasons for the split are disputed, with Daltrey and Pete Townshend claiming Starkey made a mistake during a performance, while Starkey argued that the error was Daltrey's fault. Starkey mentioned poor planning and under-rehearsal as factors leading to an onstage glitch during a performance of "The Song is Over."
Daltrey responded to Starkey's comments, calling them a "character assassination" and stating that they were incredibly upsetting. He explained that the dispute began over the band's use of electronic drums, which affected his ability to hear properly during performances. Daltrey clarified that he was not criticizing Starkey during the incident but was struggling due to technical issues with the sound.
Regarding the band's decision to reinstate and then dismiss Starkey again, Daltrey emphasized that he and Townshend retain the right to be The Who, with everyone else considered session players. He acknowledged the irreplaceability of original drummer Keith Moon and expressed his desire to branch out musically. Starkey was eventually replaced by Scott Devours following the dispute.
In a statement to The Independent, Starkey expressed uncertainty about the situation and the unpredictable nature of The Who. He described the band as having an "addiction to friction" and highlighted the challenges of being part of such a dynamic group. The ongoing drama surrounding Starkey's departure and replacement reflects the complex dynamics within the iconic rock band.