Zak Starkey, Son of Ringo Starr, Speaks Out on Alleged Blowup with Roger Daltrey That He Says Got Him Fired from The Who After Over 20 Years of Touring

Zak Starkey, Son of Ringo Starr, Speaks Out on Alleged Blowup with Roger Daltrey That He Says Got Him Fired from The Who After Over 20 Years of Touring

Zak Starkey, the acclaimed drummer and son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has made waves in the rock world by revealing details of an alleged altercation with The Who’s iconic frontman, Roger Daltrey an incident Starkey claims led to his unexpected dismissal from the legendary band after more than two decades on tour.

In a series of candid online posts, Starkey opened up about the internal friction that had reportedly been building behind the scenes, culminating in a tense encounter that he believes ended his run with the band. While he didn’t divulge every detail, he made it clear that the fallout was personal and painful.

“I loved playing with Pete [Townshend] and Roger,” Starkey shared. “But things change. What happened was disappointing, but I’ve got no hate just moving on.”

Starkey joined The Who in the mid-1990s and quickly became a fixture in their live performances, bringing powerful energy and technical brilliance that won over fans and critics alike. His familial ties to rock royalty only added to the intrigue, but it was his skill not his surname that made him a beloved part of the group’s modern sound.

His departure marks a significant turning point for the band’s current era. With no official word from The Who, fans have been left to piece together the story through Starkey’s revelations, which have sparked widespread discussion across social media and music forums.

“I’m proud of what we did,” Starkey continued. “But when respect disappears, it’s time to move on.”

Sources close to the band have hinted at long-standing creative differences and tension between Starkey and Daltrey, which may have been simmering beneath the surface for years. Whether this recent confrontation was the final straw or part of a larger pattern remains unclear.

Though he’s no longer touring with The Who, Starkey shows no signs of slowing down. The seasoned drummer has teased upcoming projects and collaborations, signaling a fresh chapter in an already storied career.

“I’ve got some exciting stuff on the way,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t realize it, but a door closing is just making space for a better one to open.”

As fans await an official statement from The Who, the rock community continues to reflect on the sudden split and what it means for the band’s future sound without Starkey behind the kit.