Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey reveals alleged altercation with The Who's Roger Daltrey got him fired
Zak Starkey can explain.
The Who's former drummer, 59, addressed his shocking exit from the band in a new interview with The Telegraph published on Monday, June 16, and shed some light on what allegedly led to his firing.
In April, The Who announced they were parting ways with Starkey — who is Ringo Starr's son — following two shows at Royal Albert Hall in the UK, which saw the likes of Bill Murray, Sadie Frost, Tracy-Ann Oberman, and famed hypnotist Paul McKenna, in attendance.
Advertisement
9 Zak Starkey has addressed his shocking exit from The Who after almost 30 years.
Getty Images
9 Starkey claims he was kicked out following an alleged altercation with The Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey.
Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
However, days later, Pete Townshend revealed that Starkey would stay in the group despite 'some communication issues.'
Advertisement
All that changed in May when Starkey once again announced he was ousted from the Grammy-nominated rock band, marking his second firing in one month.
Now, he claims he was kicked out following an alleged altercation with The Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey.
9 'What happened was I got it right and Roger [Daltrey] got it wrong,' Starkey explained.
WireImage
'What happened was I got it right and Roger [Daltrey] got it wrong,' Starkey told The Telegraph, referring to the rare performance of 'The Song Is Over' at London's Royal Albert Hall.
Advertisement
After his second firing, it was alleged that Starkey's bandmates weren't happy with his performance at the event.
But, the drummer claims it wasn't his performance that was lacking.
9 Starkey with his father, Ringo Starr, in London in September 2016.
David M. Benett
Starkey told the outlet that The Who band members 'hate rehearsing,' noting they rarely perform their 6-minute-long 1971 hit 'The Song Is Over.'
Advertisement
According to Starkey, Daltrey 'took a bit out' for the show. 'Roger [came] in a bar early,' he told the outlet.
Starkey also claimed that one week later, the band's manager, Bill Curbishley, called to fire him.
9 Daltrey, Starkey and Pete Townshend of The Who performing at the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show at the Sun Life Stadium on February 7, 2010, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
WireImage
'He says, 'It's my unfortunate duty to inform you' — it's like Porridge or something — 'that you won't be needed from now on. Roger says you dropped some beats,'' he alleged.
Starkey watched the performance but said, 'I can't find any dropped beats,' claiming, 'Then Pete [Townshend] had to go along with it because Pete's had 60 years of arguing with Roger.'
But the drama didn't stop there.
9 'Roger says you dropped some beats,' Starkey was allegedly told when he was fired from The Who.
Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Starkey shared that he still wanted back in the band after the alleged feud; however, he was allegedly instructed that he needed to admit that he dropped 'two beats' in the performance.
Advertisement
'Two weeks later it was like, 'Roger says he can't work with you no more, and we'd like you to issue another statement saying you're leaving to do your other projects' and I just didn't do it because I wasn't leaving [of my own volition],' Starkey alleged, adding 'they didn't specify' why they fired him the second time.
Starkey shockingly doesn't have any hard feelings, telling The Telegraph, 'I don't blame anyone. I blame The Who because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f—— insane,' stating those are reasons he 'loves' the band.
9 'I don't blame anyone,' Starkey said. 'I blame The Who because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f—— insane.'He also hinted that his days of playing with The Who might not be over.
Advertisement
'I spoke to Roger last week and he said, 'Don't take your drums out of [The Who's] warehouse yet in case we need you,'' Starkey said. 'I said, 'Best let me know.''
Starkey didn't just expose the alleged altercation that he claimed got him fired. The drummer also alleged that he turned down the offer to tour with Oasis for The Who.
The Post reached out to the band's rep for comment.
9 The Who with their original lineup, including drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwhistle, in 1965.
Michael Ochs Archives
Advertisement
Townshend was the first to address Starkey's second firing in May.
'After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change,' he wrote on Instagram. 'A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best.'
Starkey immediately hit back with a different story.
9 'After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change,' Townshend wrote on Instagram on May 18. 'A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best.'
Getty Images
Advertisement
'I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors,' the musician said in a lengthy social media rant. 'Not true. I love The Who and would never have quit and let down so many amazing people who stood up for me through this madness.'
Starkey claimed that Daltrey told him he wasn't 'fired' from the band for a second time but rather 'retired' and free to work on his own projects.
He clarified, 'The lie is or would have been that I quit The Who — i didn't. I love The Who and everyone in it.'
Starkey, the son of The Beatles' Ringo Starr, joined The Who in 1996.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Legendary '90s Rocker Gets Candid About Departure From Band
Legendary '90s Rocker Gets Candid About Departure From Band originally appeared on Parade. After a whirlwind month of band drama—Zak Starkey, longtime drummer and son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr—is finally setting the record straight about where he stands with The Who. In a candid new interview with The Telegraph, Starkey, 59, says things took a turn following a rare live performance of "The Song Is Over" at the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit at London's Royal Albert Hall earlier this year. "What happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong," Starkey said of the musical misstep, claiming that frontman Roger Daltrey came in a bar ahead of schedule during the song. Just a week later, Starkey says he got a call from The Who's longtime manager, Bill Curbishley, ousting him from the group. The alleged reason? "Roger says you dropped some beats," Starkey, who has drummed for both The Who and Oasis, recalls being told. But according to the musician, he's reviewed the tape and didn't hear those missing beats. "Then Pete [Townshend] had to go along with it because Pete's had 60 years of arguing with Roger," he added of the alleged incident. The drama with the band didn't stop there, however, with Starkey revealing that he briefly rejoined the group, but only after being pressured to accept blame for the onstage snafu—and spoiler alert, the reunion didn't last long. "It became clear Roger couldn't work with me," he shared. "I don't blame anyone. I blame The Who, because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f--king insane." Even still, Starkey isn't ruling out a return to the group, especially after he says Daltrey, 81, told him to keep his drums on standby. "Don't take your drums out of [The Who's] warehouse yet in case we need you," Starkey says Daltrey told him, with him urging the frontman to let him know should The Who have a change of heart. For now, drummer Scott Devours has taken over, as The Who gears up for their The Song Is Over farewell U.S. tour, kicking off August 16 in Sunrise, Florida. The tour will run through September 28, capping off in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Legendary '90s Rocker Gets Candid About Departure From Band first appeared on Parade on Jun 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ahead of Her Worldwide Pride Festival Tour, Kim Petras Drops New Jewelry Collab Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Celebrating anyone who's ever been called 'too much', Awe Inspired (a luxury jewelry brand centered on giving back to advocacy groups) just debuted its fifth and latest Pride campaign starring global pop icon Kim Petras as their 'Queen of the Fairies' — launching just as she embarks on a worldwide Pride festival tour. More from Rolling Stone 'The Wizard of Oz' at Sphere: How to Get Tickets to See the Classic in Las Vegas Sink Your Teeth into Nautica's Bold New 'Jaws' Clothing Drop, Ahead of the Films 50th Anniversary How to Watch LA Dodgers Games Online Without Cable The German singer-songwriter recently performed at the 2025 World Pride Music Festival alongside Troye Sivan, Jennifer Lopez, Reneé Rapp and more, and is the first out trans woman to win a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Sam Smith. The 'Unholy' singer is also taking the stage at the SoSF Pride Festival, Nashville Pride Friday Concert, and more throughout June and July. But she's also taking time to turn on the magic as the muse of Awe's latest Pride collection, with the 'Queen of Fairies' being described as one who 'lives beyond the rules — an untamed force who bends nature to her will.' shop now on awe inspired Offering a luxe take on the 'fairycore' aesthetic trend you've probably seen fill countless Pinterest boards, Awe Inspired and Petras' Queen of the Fairies collection aims to reclaim the slur 'fairy,' transforming it into an emblem of enchantment, pride, and femme self-expression. Launching in three separate drops throughout the month of June, the jewelry is all crafted in 14K gold vermeil and sterling silver, and embraces the 'surreal elegance and escapism' of fantastical fairy iconography while keeping it grounded in a good cause. The first drop is available to shop now on while 'Secret Forest' will be shoppable on June 17, and the third and final drop, 'Bug Brooches,' goes live on June 24. From sculptural rings and intricate earrings to layered charms, delicate brooches, and a standout fairy nameplate necklace, the collection is meant to be equal parts whimsical and elevated. You'll find twisted botanical motifs, winged silhouettes, and delicate insect-inspired details — think dragonflies, beetles, and enchanted flora. shop kim petras queen of the fairies collection Prices range from $150–$1,240, and as part of the launch, the Queen herself (Petras) curated three of her favorite necklace stacks (two are currently in-stock online, while the final 'Secret Forest' set will be released with the June 17 drop). In celebration of Pride, $10 will be donated with the purchase of select pieces (labeled 'GLSEN Gives Back') to GLSEN, an organization working to ensure safe, inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ youth nationwide by supporting educators and advocating for policy change in school. This contribution supports critical resources and education as political attacks and funding cuts continue to intensify nationwide. With this campaign, Awe Inspired has added a new queer icon to its Goddess Jewelry Collection. Past Pride campaigns featured Indya Moore as Marsha P. Johnson and Zane Phillips as Achilles, with each launch supporting GLSEN's mission. Shop the of drops, while supplies last, at and for more ways to support the LGBTQ+ community, check out some other 2025 Pride Collections and queer-owned businesses to support this month and beyond. Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey reveals alleged altercation with The Who's Roger Daltrey got him fired
Zak Starkey can explain. The Who's former drummer, 59, addressed his shocking exit from the band in a new interview with The Telegraph published on Monday, June 16, and shed some light on what allegedly led to his firing. In April, The Who announced they were parting ways with Starkey — who is Ringo Starr's son — following two shows at Royal Albert Hall in the UK, which saw the likes of Bill Murray, Sadie Frost, Tracy-Ann Oberman, and famed hypnotist Paul McKenna, in attendance. Advertisement 9 Zak Starkey has addressed his shocking exit from The Who after almost 30 years. Getty Images 9 Starkey claims he was kicked out following an alleged altercation with The Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey. Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame However, days later, Pete Townshend revealed that Starkey would stay in the group despite 'some communication issues.' Advertisement All that changed in May when Starkey once again announced he was ousted from the Grammy-nominated rock band, marking his second firing in one month. Now, he claims he was kicked out following an alleged altercation with The Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey. 9 'What happened was I got it right and Roger [Daltrey] got it wrong,' Starkey explained. WireImage 'What happened was I got it right and Roger [Daltrey] got it wrong,' Starkey told The Telegraph, referring to the rare performance of 'The Song Is Over' at London's Royal Albert Hall. Advertisement After his second firing, it was alleged that Starkey's bandmates weren't happy with his performance at the event. But, the drummer claims it wasn't his performance that was lacking. 9 Starkey with his father, Ringo Starr, in London in September 2016. David M. Benett Starkey told the outlet that The Who band members 'hate rehearsing,' noting they rarely perform their 6-minute-long 1971 hit 'The Song Is Over.' Advertisement According to Starkey, Daltrey 'took a bit out' for the show. 'Roger [came] in a bar early,' he told the outlet. Starkey also claimed that one week later, the band's manager, Bill Curbishley, called to fire him. 9 Daltrey, Starkey and Pete Townshend of The Who performing at the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show at the Sun Life Stadium on February 7, 2010, in Miami Gardens, Fla. WireImage 'He says, 'It's my unfortunate duty to inform you' — it's like Porridge or something — 'that you won't be needed from now on. Roger says you dropped some beats,'' he alleged. Starkey watched the performance but said, 'I can't find any dropped beats,' claiming, 'Then Pete [Townshend] had to go along with it because Pete's had 60 years of arguing with Roger.' But the drama didn't stop there. 9 'Roger says you dropped some beats,' Starkey was allegedly told when he was fired from The Who. Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Starkey shared that he still wanted back in the band after the alleged feud; however, he was allegedly instructed that he needed to admit that he dropped 'two beats' in the performance. Advertisement 'Two weeks later it was like, 'Roger says he can't work with you no more, and we'd like you to issue another statement saying you're leaving to do your other projects' and I just didn't do it because I wasn't leaving [of my own volition],' Starkey alleged, adding 'they didn't specify' why they fired him the second time. Starkey shockingly doesn't have any hard feelings, telling The Telegraph, 'I don't blame anyone. I blame The Who because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f—— insane,' stating those are reasons he 'loves' the band. 9 'I don't blame anyone,' Starkey said. 'I blame The Who because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f—— insane.'He also hinted that his days of playing with The Who might not be over. Advertisement 'I spoke to Roger last week and he said, 'Don't take your drums out of [The Who's] warehouse yet in case we need you,'' Starkey said. 'I said, 'Best let me know.'' Starkey didn't just expose the alleged altercation that he claimed got him fired. The drummer also alleged that he turned down the offer to tour with Oasis for The Who. The Post reached out to the band's rep for comment. 9 The Who with their original lineup, including drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwhistle, in 1965. Michael Ochs Archives Advertisement Townshend was the first to address Starkey's second firing in May. 'After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change,' he wrote on Instagram. 'A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best.' Starkey immediately hit back with a different story. 9 'After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change,' Townshend wrote on Instagram on May 18. 'A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best.' Getty Images Advertisement 'I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors,' the musician said in a lengthy social media rant. 'Not true. I love The Who and would never have quit and let down so many amazing people who stood up for me through this madness.' Starkey claimed that Daltrey told him he wasn't 'fired' from the band for a second time but rather 'retired' and free to work on his own projects. He clarified, 'The lie is or would have been that I quit The Who — i didn't. I love The Who and everyone in it.' Starkey, the son of The Beatles' Ringo Starr, joined The Who in 1996.
