Entertainment
Zak Starkey and the Who reconcile following 2025 dismissal
Drummer Zak Starkey has reunited with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend for rehearsals ahead of a potential European farewell tour.
The short version
- Drummer Zak Starkey and the Who have reconciled after Starkey was unceremoniously dismissed from the band in April 2025.
- Singer Roger Daltrey and Starkey both confirmed they recently participated in a successful rehearsal together.
- The reunion comes as the band prepares for a potential European farewell tour and additional performances.
Key facts
- During a solo performance in Las Vegas, Roger Daltrey revealed he recently completed a successful rehearsal with drummer Zak Starkey.[Variety]
- Zak Starkey confirmed the reunion on social media and in a formal statement, expressing excitement about performing with the Who again.[Variety]
- Representatives for both Starkey and the Who confirmed that the statements regarding the musical reconciliation are accurate.[Variety]
- Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, was dismissed from the Who in April 2025 after playing with the band for nearly 30 years.[Variety]
- The Who completed a U.S. farewell tour in October 2025 without Starkey, but Daltrey has indicated they are preparing for a European farewell tour.[Variety]
What remains uncertain
- The exact reasons for Starkey's 2025 dismissal remain unclear, though theories include an on-stage synchronization dispute or other unspecified internal factors.[Variety]