Why Did Roger Daltrey Turn on Zak Starkey? The Who’s Tension Explained

If you’re a fan of The Who, this news will hit hard: Roger Daltrey has reportedly cut ties with longtime drummer Zak Starkey. What went wrong between two legends who once shared the stage like family?

In this article, you'll get to know:

• What Roger Daltrey said publicly

• How Zak Starkey responded

• What this means for The Who’s future

Who is Starkey and What Did He Do?  

Born to the famous drummer of the “Beatles” band, Starkey has been drumming with Who since 1996. Not as an “official” member, but more of a familiar face and a vital cog to the band for decades.  

In the year 2025 of April, during a performance at Royal Albert Hall in London, Daltrey vented his frustrations with the loud drumming overshadowing his singing during the song “The Song Is Over.” That sequence of events initiated a Starkey firing, a brief Starkey rehiring, and then a firiring with reapplied surgical precision again by the month of May.  

Zak argues that he never resigned, however, a story was circulated that he was asked to make an announcement saying he decided to quit. He didn’t, thus calling it “a lie”, and in turn saying the band “falsely” branded him “retired”.  

What Did Roger Daltrey Say?  

In boldy defending Starkey’s side of the story, Daltrey has come out and said that Starkey’s statements a “character assassination” and said they were “incredibly upsetting”

The Who's Roger Daltrey Clarifies Zak Starkey's Firing, Calls His Comments 'Character Assassination' pic.twitter.com/j488yRp7dE

— innocent (@innomachibyke) August 6, 2025

Daltrey made it clear it wasn’t to do with the drumming technique. It was because an audio technician over-sub-bassed his in-ear monitors, rendering him incapable of hearing himself. When he “pointed to the drum” and screamed, “Starkey thought he was under attack” and things just escalated from there.

Starkey may have served the band for decades, but he does not get a pass here. As noted, “Pete Townshend and I retain the right to be The Who. Everyone else is a session player.”

What Zak Starkey's Response?

Zak Starkey declined to issue the fake quitting statement. He later told The Telegraph:

“What happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong.”
He blamed rushed rehearsals and Daltrey entering the song early, causing a mismatch on stage.

He also described the experience as chaotic:

“These guys are f‑‑‑‑‑g insane!” after being fired, rehired, fired again.

His father, Ringo Starr, even weighed in publicly, calling Daltrey a “little man” and defending his son’s professionalism

What Fans are Saying Online?

A user @skyshade56 on X wrote: 

"The Who in 22 were much better with Zak Starkey on drums. It’s bittersweet to think about seeing them on the farewell tour without Zak."

The Who in 22 were much better with Zak Starkey on drums. It’s bittersweet to think about seeing them on the farewell tour without Zak. It’s too bad Roger couldn’t have manned up for the mistakes he made instead of blaming Zak. And it’s too bad Pete let Roger fire Zak

— Mars (@skyshade56) August 6, 2025

Is Pete Townshend Involved in the Rift?

In a strange twist of town, Starkey has yet to publicly comment. It is known that in the past he and Townshend had professional respect for one another. Daltrey’s comments suggest he doesn't respect the band enough to offer any defense from his statements.

Some fans believe that Townshend may still be considering collaborating with Zak, but there is no evidence to support this claim.  

What This Means for The Who’s Future  

The band has plans for their final farewell tour titled, "The Song Is Over,” set to kick off in North America in August 2025.  

Daltrey’s touring drummer, Scott Devours, has been named the replacement drummer. Some insiders have suggested that financial turmoil and aging band members may be problematic for The Who’s final tour.  

Daltrey has openly stated that he considers tour is arduous and, due to long standing health issues such as, past meningitis and ongoing macular degeneration, he may not be able to complete it.  

What We Know About Zak’s Future Plans  

Zak Starkey is not simply fading away. He is busy with his label and studio Trojan Jamaica, where he is developing reggae and other global genres with his band SSHH and partner Sharna Liguz.  

Even after the split, he is flexible to return but only if the circumstances suit him. Until then, he plans to spend his time cultivating his imagination and in new musical endeavors.