## 🎤 What happened with The Who
* **March 30, 2025, at Royal Albert Hall**: During a Teenage Cancer Trust show, Roger Daltrey publicly complained about Zak’s loud/dramatic drumming, saying, “To sing that song I do need to hear the key… All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom” ([fullaccessmagazine.com][1]).
* **Early April**: The Who announced a *collective decision* to part ways with Zak after nearly 30 years ([independent.ie][2]).
* **April 19**: Pete Townshend clarified that Zak was *not* stepping down and was actually welcomed back, citing communication issues aired and resolved ([theguardian.com][3]).
* **Mid-May**: Townshend then officially announced Zak’s departure, citing a need for “a change” and Zak’s other projects ([nme.com][4]).
* **Zak’s Instagram response**: He insisted he was *fired*, not resigned, and was even pressured to falsely state he left to pursue other work ([bangpremier.com][5]).
* **Late May conversation**: In a phone call, Daltrey said Zak was “retired” to focus on his new projects—a miscommunication both found confusing ([nme.com][4]).
* **Outcome**: Despite the drama, Zak holds no grudges. He acknowledged that The Who are “the maddest band there’s ever been” and even left the door open to return ([people.com][6]).
## 🥁 Ringo Starr’s response
* In a **Rolling Stone** interview, Zak revealed Ringo said:
> “I’ve never liked the way that little man runs that band,”
> apparently referring to Daltrey ([theguardian.com][7], [people.com][6]).
* Zak commented: “I’m very proud of him standing up for me,” noting his father was supportive publicly ([people.com][6]).
## 🔍 Context & perspective
* Zak joined The Who in **1996** and played with them for nearly 30 years—including major events like the Super Bowl halftime show in 2010 .
* Earlier this year (January), Zak dealt with a **blood clot** in his leg, which he says has fully healed and didn’t affect his drumming ([showbiz411.com][8]).
* The band will soon begin their **“The Song Is Over” US farewell tour** starting August 16; **Scott Devours** will fill in on drums ([bangpremier.com][5])
## 📨 Bottom line
1. **Zak Starkey insisted** he was *fired*, not that he quit.
2. **Ringo Starr defended** his son by publicly criticizing Roger Daltrey’s leadership.
3. Despite the turmoil, Zak remains on **amicable terms** with The Who and is open to future collaboration.
Let me know if you’d like any more details—setlists, tour dates, or insider quotes
[1]: “The Who Parts Ways With Ringo Starr’s Son, Zak Starkey, as Drummer – Full Access Magazine”
[2]: “The Who sack drummer Zak Starkey in ‘overplaying’ argument with Roger Daltrey | Irish Independent”
[3]: “Zak Starkey reinstated as The Who’s drummer, days after departure | The Who | The Guardian”
[4]: “Zak Starkey insists he was \”fired\” from The Who as he reveals Roger Daltrey conversation that \”truly confused both of us””
[5]: “Zak Starkey breaks silence on latest firing from The Who, claims he was told to ‘lie’ about exit | BANG Premier”
[6]: “Ringo Starr Defends Son Zak Starkey Against The Who’s Roger Daltrey amid Drummer Drama: ‘Little Man'”
[7]: “Ringo Starr called Roger Daltrey ‘that little man’, says son sacked from the Who”
[8]: “Ringo Starr’s 59 Year Old Son, Zak Starkey, Drummed Out of The Who After
29 Years Because Roger Daltrey, 81, Can’t Hear – Showbiz411”
