Roger Daltrey’s Blow-Up with The Who’s Drummer Precedes Dismissal by Weeks
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Yesterday, news broke that The Who have parted ways with their drummer Zak Starkey following performances at the Royal Albert Hall, during which lead singer Roger Daltrey expressed visible frustration with the former Oasis drummer. Zak, 59, who is the godson of the late The Who drummer Keith Moon and son of Sir Ringo Starr, has been with the band for 29 years. A spokesperson for The Who announced, “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.” A recent review of the Royal Albert Hall gig highlighted multiple interruptions, with Daltrey reporting difficulty hearing the music properly. Just two days prior, Zak implied on social media that Daltrey was “unhappy” with his recent performances, hinting that they would “Zak [or sack] the drummer” after accusations of “overplaying” during the Teenage Cancer Trust shows.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
At one point during the London gig on March 30, while performing “Can You See The Real Me”, Daltrey stopped singing, and guitarist Pete Townshend had to step in for him. Roger held his head in exasperation, seemingly refusing to continue. After pausing the song, he stated, “We’ve got a big problem up here. I can sing to some things, but I can’t sing to that f***ing racket.” He asked Townshend if he was having the same issue.
“Just push the wedges up,” Townshend requested, asking the crew to “make the drums louder, please.” However, later in the performance, Daltrey mentioned that the drums were too loud.
Polygon Live is an immersive music festival happening in London’s Crystal Palace Park from May 2-4, 2025, featuring a blend of light and spatial sound. This unique festival will showcase an impressive lineup, including renowned artists such as Max Cooper, Jon Hopkins, and Tinariwen, along with Arooj Aftab and Photay.
For those looking to experience this UK-first festival, more information is available.
The problems persisted, and during the final track, “The Song Is Over,” Roger halted the concert, explaining, “To sing that song, I do need to hear the key, and I can’t. All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry, guys.” A source confirmed to the media that the decision has troubled Zak, stating, “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least.”
Got a story? If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to the Hotnchill entertainment team through email or visit our Submit Stuff page.
