Drummer Zak Starkey, known for his long tenure with The Who, recently shared details about his departure from the iconic band. Starkey, who is the son of Ringo Starr from The Beatles, had been with The Who for nearly 30 years before his exit earlier this year.
In a recent interview, Starkey clarified that his removal was not due to internal conflicts among band members, as some rumors suggested. Instead, he revealed that he suffered a serious medical issue earlier this year, specifically blood clots in his right leg. He assured fans that he has fully recovered and that his health no longer affects his ability to play drums or run.
Reflecting on his time with The Who, Starkey expressed pride in his nearly three-decade journey with the band. He mentioned the honor of following in the footsteps of Keith Moon, the legendary drummer who was a key member of The Who until his death in 1978. Starkey referred to Moon as his godfather and noted that being part of The Who felt like being part of a family.
Starkey also addressed a recent performance at the Royal Albert Hall, where there were reports that lead singer Roger Daltrey had difficulty hearing over the drums. He expressed surprise and sadness that anyone would have an issue with his performance after so many years with the band.
Looking ahead, Starkey plans to take some time off to focus on his family and work on his upcoming projects. He mentioned an album titled "Domino Bones" by Mantra Of The Cosmos, featuring Noel Gallagher, set to be released in May. He is also working on his autobiography.
A representative for The Who confirmed Starkey’s departure, describing it as a mutual decision made after their shows at the Royal Albert Hall. The band expressed admiration for Starkey and wished him well in his future endeavors.
The Who, formed in London in 1964, are known for their energetic live shows and hits like "My Generation" and the rock opera "Tommy." They have been influential figures in the music scene, alongside other British rock legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.