What to know as The Who fire drummer Zak Starkey for a second time

EntertainmentMusic
19 May 2025 • 6:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The Who have fired longtime drummer Zak Starkey again, just two weeks after reinstating him ahead of their farewell tour announcement.
  • Guitarist Pete Townshend announced the news on social media, stating that "the time has come for a change" and that Starkey has "lots of new projects in hand."
  • Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, expressed his disappointment, claiming he was asked to say he was quitting instead of being fired, which he refused to do.
  • This follows a previous firing in April over a dispute about his performance at the Royal Albert Hall, after which he was reinstated.
  • Scott Devours, who has worked with Roger Daltrey’s solo band, will replace Starkey.

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