Latest news with #MantraoftheCosmos
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘I don't know what the f**k is happening': Zak Starkey on whether he's really been sacked by The Who
He used to 'f**king hate' and 'totally reject' the idea of the band. Instead, he knuckled down to forge a drumming career of his own, encouraged by 'uncle' Keith Moon (who bought Starkey his first drum kit when he was eight) and tutored by the Faces' Kenney Jones. It was 10 more years before he finally returned to his father's rhythmic oeuvre. 'When I was 25, I listened to The Beatles and went, 'F**king hell, these guys were amazing. I should have been listening to this years ago.' And then I got over it.' Now 59, Starkey settles into the quietest corner of a Soho bar – 'This ear isn't very good,' he says, jabbing the left – as an alumnus of Johnny Marr & The Healers, Oasis and – until his very recent, very public departure – The Who. He's also the fulcrum of his own all-star band, Mantra of the Cosmos, featuring main players Shaun Ryder, Bez (both Happy Mondays mainstays), and Andy Bell of Ride. 'To me, he was a great drummer and that was it,' Ryder says of Starkey over the phone. 'I didn't know he was a f**king amazing producer. Then when I got in the studio and he stuck a load of beats and tunes on, I f**king loved it. It's different from the Mondays, it's different from what I do in Black Grape, it's a f**king buzz.' Mantra of the Cosmos also feature plentiful high-profile guests. Recent single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) was crafted from a recording given to Ryder and Starkey by Noel Gallagher – 'He sent me this song saying, 'It's probably better for your band than mine',' Starkey recalls – then reworked into a tropical rap-punk rampage until only a fraction of Gallagher's high-flying melody remained. 'I kept half a chorus of Noel,' Starkey says, smirking. 'He thought it was great. Better than his one.' They're all like, 'It could be as big as The Beatles Meanwhile, Starkey has also previewed a snippet of another track, Rip Off, to much media frothing. It's a concoction several decades in the making: a song by The Beatles' children. The prospect of Starkey and fellow offspring Sean Lennon and James McCartney collaborating on a track has been hinted at for almost 20 years, he says, but Starkey would always reject the idea for fear of being judged on it for the rest of his life. ' They're all like, 'It could be as big as The Beatles,'' he says. ADVERTISEMENT 'I said, 'Do you want to be as big as The Beatles? Don't you want to go to Waitrose? My dad can't go to f**king Waitrose, he can't go and buy a paper or whatever. Do you actually want that? "You wan to be as good as The Beatles, but do you want that mania and people bringing babies for you to touch and cure them of cancer and shit?'.' Possibly not. Over time, though, Starkey grew close with his fellow Beatle babies. When the right Mantra of the Cosmos song came up, he sent it to Lennon, who added 'an amazing John Carpenter sort of synth and one line, which is really psychedelic and amazing', and invited McCartney to the studio to provide vocals and guitar on the heady, psych-folk track. Only Starkey could have orchestrated such a historic coming together with any real integrity. Having played with some of the world's biggest bands and formed supergroups with musicians from an array of legendary acts – the Sex Pistols, Primal Scream, Oasis, Blur, The Stone Roses, Paul Weller and more – he has become something of a backbeat hub for the rock'n'roll world, the connective tissue between scenes and eras and a respected musician in his own right. Just tell your dad to f**k off, see you later. That's what I did 'Pete [Townshend] has got a theory on that,' Starkey says. 'Obviously, Sean's dad got killed. [Pete] goes, 'Your dad was around, so you could tell him to f**k off.' That's right... If your dad doesn't die, you don't put him on a pedestal, like Jason Bonham, or Sean, Julian [Lennon]; their [dads are] on a pedestal, aren't they? You don't get any space to be yourself. Just tell your dad to f**k off, see you later. That's what I did.' Starkey has many fond memories of childhood behind The Beatles' curtain. 'Music was everywhere in our house. Jukeboxes in every room. Fantastic music on.' Marc Bolan used to babysit. 'We'd play Scalextric. He goes 'Your dad's got a studio, right?' I'd say, 'Yeah, but I'm not really allowed in.' He goes, 'Come on, let's go up there,' and he'd show me a few guitar things. He was great.' Did he learn any life lessons from his godfather, Keith Moon? 'Yeah, become an alcoholic! He never taught me how to play the drums, but he taught me how to drink and he taught me about girls and he taught me about surfing. "We never went surfing, but we talked about it and listened to The Beach Boys a lot. He'd sometimes take me to nightclubs when I was 11 or 12; he treated me like an adult.' Yet the environment was also one of a kind of secretive normality. 'We were taught to shut up, not to tell anyone anything,' Starkey says. 'My dad, to me, is this: my dad is chasing me down the garden, going, 'If I get my hands on you, I'll bloody kill you.' 'That's my dad. My dad. He changed the world, he was in The Beatles. See him on TV, get a bit misty at that. But he's my dad and that's how I remember those years. Like everyone's dad, he's a dad.' He's dismissive of the supposed advantages of nepo-babyism. 'It doesn't necessarily mean you're not any good, [and] it don't open doors. It might get you in a f**king nightclub, [although] I've never done that in my life, 'Oh, I'm Ringo's kid, let me in.' Nowadays, they'd go 'Who the f**k's Ringo?'' The average club doorman of 2025 might be more impressed, perhaps, that Starkey was in Oasis from 2004 to 2008. 'It was just f**king great fun and fantastic rock'n'roll, start to finish ... We were the greatest live band in the world, I think, at that time. It was like a f**king comet coming at you", he says. Starkey hadn't expected the Oasis reunion call-up, though. 'It was discussed with Noel, but I was in The Who.' But not for long. Having played with the band since 1996, and shortly before their final farewell US tour, Starkey was fired in April after a disagreement over his Royal Albert Hall performance, reinstated two weeks later, and then fired again. 'I don't know what the f*** is happening,' he says. 'This is The Who, man. The most unpredictable, aggressive, arrogant people, lovely people who are my family, but you never know what's going to happen, and that's why it's The Who.'
New York Post
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Three of the Beatles' members sons are teaming up for the first time to release a new song together
Here comes the sons. Three of the Beatles' children have united on a new song. Ringo Starr's son, Zak Starkey, confirmed that John Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon, and Paul McCartney's son, James McCartney, provided vocals on his supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos' upcoming single 'Rip Off.' 12 Zak Starkey attends the Manta Of The Cosmos' performance at The Box in London in June 2023.12 James McCartney attends a photography exhibition in London in May Claridge's ArtSpace 12 Sean Ono Lennon attends the 2025 Grammy The Recording Academy Starkey, 59, shared a clip of the rock song via Instagram on Sunday. Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays also provided vocals on the track. George Harrison is the only Beatles member who doesn't have any children working on the song. The late star had one son, Dhani Harrison, who is also a musician. 12 Zak Starkey shares a clip of his new song with Sean Ono Lennon and James McCartney. therealzakstarkey/Instagram 12 Zak Starkey made 'Rip Off' with two other Beatles' children. therealzakstarkey/Instagram In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Starkey denied that his collaboration with Sean, 49, and James, 47, was like a mini-Beatles reunion. 'It's like Mantra of the Cosmos with them in it,' Starkey stated. 'It's Sean of the Cosmos and James of the Cosmos, it's still my band.' 12 Ringo Starr in 1963. Bettmann Archive 12 Paul McCartney in 1963. Bettmann Archive 12 John Lennon in 1963. Bettmann Archive When the interviewer mentioned Starkey just needs Dhani, 46, for the whole gang to be together, Starkey responded, 'No I don't. Why do I?' The last time the Beatles' offspring worked together was when James and Sean came out with the song 'Primrose Hill' in 2024. 12 The Beatles in 1963. Getty Images 'Primrose Hill' is here! Today I am so very excited to share my latest song co-written by my good friend @sean_ono_lennon,' James wrote on Instagram at the time, alongside a selfie of the pair. 'With the release of this song it feels like we're really getting the ball rolling and I am so excited to continue to share music with you.' Back in 2012, James spoke to the BBC about the possibility of forming a music group with Starkey, Sean and Dhani. 12 Paul and James McCartney attend the book launch and private view of 'Mary McCartney: Monochrome And Colour' in 2014. David M. Benett 'I don't think it's something that Zak wants to do,' James said. 'Maybe [Ringo Starr's son] Jason [Starkey] would want to do it. I'd be up for it. Sean seemed to be into it, Dhani seemed to be into it. I'd be happy to do it.' James then said that the supergroup had been 'mooted' but was still hopeful it could happen. 12 Paul McCartney with his son James leave 'Late Show with David Letterman' in NYC in 2013. Getty Images 'Yeah, hopefully, naturally. I don't know, you'd have to wait and see,' he teased. 'The will of God, nature's support, I guess. So yeah, maybe.' Starkey has recently made headlines for being fired twice from the band The Who. The drummer told The Telegraph that he was kicked out of the group after an alleged altercation with lead singer Roger Daltrey. He also alleged that he turned down the offer to tour with Oasis for The Who. 12 Zak Starkey and Ringo Starr attend an event at The Vox in London in 2016. David M. Benett But Starkey hinted in the interview that he might return to The Who. '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.''
Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Oasis band member with world famous dad brutally replaced by American musician
Oasis band member with world famous dad brutally replaced by American musician Zak Starkey is the former drummer of Oasis but has also worked with The Who and Mantra of the Cosmos Zak Starkey as the touring drummer for The Who during a performance in Las Vegas in 2017 (Image: Getty Images ) The former drummer of Oasis, Zak Starkey, has voiced his disappointment at being excluded from the band's monumental reunion. Last August, brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher surprised fans by announcing they would reunite for the first time since their explosive split in 2009, with the landmark Oasis 2025 shows starting in Cardiff on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. Zak Starkey, who was a member of Oasis from 2004, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss his latest track with Mantra of the Cosmos, which features Bez and Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays and ex-Oasis bass guitarist Andy Bell. While on the news programme, Starkey discussed how Oasis member Noel Gallagher originally wrote the group's new single Domino Bones but then passed it on, suggesting the track was better suited to them. Noel had previously heaped praise on the group, likening them to "Dylan, Dalí and Ginsberg on a rocket ship to the moon to have it with the Clangers". As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Zak told presenter Ben Thompson about his surprise when he received the song from Noel, saying: "I was blown away by it - I couldn't believe it. "The greatest songwriter of my generation sending me a tune." The conversation naturally turned to Zak's thoughts on the eagerly awaited comeback tour, where he openly admitted to feeling "gutted" for not being asked to join the upcoming shows. He commented: "I texted them and said 'why am I not in it?' "You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don't you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that's what's happened and I'm alright with that." Noel and Liam Gallagher will embark on a huge reunion tour, 16 years after last performing together, this summer (Image: PA ) He went on to express his enthusiasm about the possibility of touring, telling the BBC: "God, yeah. "Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation." But this isn't Zak's only connection to music fame. Zak Richard Starkey is also the son of a famous drummer - none other than The Beatles' Ringo Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey. Zak was born in 1965 to Ringo and his first wife, Maureen Starkey (nee Cox). According to The Mirror, Zak had an illustrious childhood, growing up around major stars while enjoying private education and a home in a gated community in Surrey. He spent much of his younger days with The Who's original drummer, Keith Moon, who bought his first drum kit. Moon died in September 1978, with his position in the band filled by Kenney Jones. In 1996, Zak Starkey officially joined The Who during their Quadrophenia tour. As reported by NME, Starkey's departure from The Who has played out in recent months, with the precisionist appearing to publicly confirm that he had been let go, but guitarist Pete Townshend later denied it. In May, Townshend confirmed that Starkey was no longer with the band and added: "the time has come for a change". Meanwhile, it has been confirmed who will be joining the Gallagher brothers on their highly anticipated reunion tour. Zak Starkey's famous dad is none other than Ringo Starr, the drummer of The Beatles (Image: Getty Images ) Andy Bell, the bass player from Mantra of the Cosmos, confirmed recently that he would be joining the brothers on their reunion tour. Gem Archer and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs will be on guitar, while Christian Madden will be on keys, and the drummer has been confirmed as Joey Waronker. Waronker is an American drummer and has also worked with Beck, R.E.M. and the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. He is also a music producer and has collaborated with Tracy Chapman, Nelly Furtado, Paul McCartney and David Byrne, amongst others. Article continues below Oasis has a string of 17 UK dates lined up for the summer, as they kickstart the tour in Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday, July 4, with their second gig in the Welsh capital taking place on Saturday, July 5. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . The tour will also feature seven appearances at London's Wembley Stadium, and other highlights include performances at Manchester's Heaton Park.
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ex Oasis drummer shares texts he sent the brothers after being left out of tour
Former Oasis drummer, Zak Starkey, will not be joining the Gallaghers in their much-anticipated reunion tour this summer. Former Oasis member Zak Starkey has been left out of the Gallagher brothers' eagerly awaited reunion tour. Liam and Noel announced last year that they were putting their infamous family feud behind them and were getting the back back together after a 16-year break from the band. Scots fans are eagerly awaiting the duo's Edinburgh Murrayfield Stadium shows, which are taking place on August 8, 9 and 12. However, former drummer for the band Zak, who performed with Oasis between 2004 and 2009, won't be a part of the line-up. Zak appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning (May 27) to promote his new single with supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos, which also features Bez and Shaun Ryder from the Happy Mondays alongside former Oasis bassist Andy Bell, reported the Mirror. When asked what he thought about the upcoming reunion tour, he conceded he was 'gutted' about not being asked to take part in the shows. He said: 'I texted them and said 'why am I not in it?'. You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don't you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that's what's happened and I'm alright with that.' He went on to say he would have jumped at the chance to join Oasis on tour had the offer come in, but praised the band and Liam, saying: 'God, yeah. Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation.' Zak, who is the son of Beatles' legend Ringo Starr, spoke about how his group's new single, Domino Bones, was originally written by Noel Gallagher, who gave it to Mantra of the Cosmos after suggesting it suited them better. The drummer told host Ben Thompson he was taken aback by the offer from Noel, saying: 'I was blown away by it - I couldn't believe it. The greatest songwriter of my generation sending me a tune." Last week, fellow Mantra of the Cosmos member Andy Bell confirmed he would be joining Liam and Noel on their reunion tour. The bassist, who played with Oasis between 1999 and 2009, said he was 'really looking forward to it'. Eagle-eyed fans shared snaps of Noel and Andy at rehearsals for the reunion gigs last week. Despite some controversy over Ticketmaster's"dynamic pricing" strategy that saw ticket prices soar to double their value, those who managed to secure their spot are ecstatic, especially after a glimpse of the band arriving at the rehearsal studio. One excited fan posted: "F**k and I thought I was hyped before. It's genuinely fantastic to see them! "They've all aged pretty damn gracefully and I can't lie, the beard looks decent on Noel. Glad Bonehead looks so healthy as well. Lads, it's happening." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Gutted' Oasis star texts Liam and Noel Gallagher after 'being axed' from reunion tour
'Gutted' Oasis star texts Liam and Noel Gallagher after 'being axed' from reunion tour Former Oasis member said he was 'gutted' to have been 'axed' from Liam and Noel Gallagher's upcoming reunion tour An Oasis star has been dropped from the line-up (Image: PA ) A former Oasis drummer has expressed his disappointment at being left out of the band's monumental reunion. Last August, Noel and Liam Gallagher stunned fans by announcing they would reunite for the first time since their explosive rift in 2009, with the landmark Oasis 2025 shows kicking off in Cardiff on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5. Zak Starkey, who was part of Oasis from 2004, made an appearance on BBC Breakfast to talk up his latest track with Mantra of the Cosmos, which includes Bez and Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays and ex-Oasis bass guitarist Andy Bell. Son of Beatles icon Ringo Starr, Zak delved into how Oasis member Noel Gallagher originally penned the group's fresh single Domino Bones but then handed it over, suggesting the track better suited them. Noel had previously lavished praise on the group characterising them akin to "Dylan, Dalí and Ginsberg on a rocket ship to the moon to have it with the Clangers". Above all, Zak shared with presenter Ben Thompson just how astonished he was upon receiving the song from Noel, remarking: "I was blown away by it - I couldn't believe it. The greatest songwriter of my generation sending me a tune.", reports the Manchester Evening News. The conversation naturally veered towards Zak's thoughts on the eagerly anticipated comeback tour, where he candidly admitted to feeling "gutted" for not being enlisted to join the forthcoming shows. He remarked: "I texted them and said 'why am I not in it?' You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don't you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that's what's happened and I'm alright with that." He continued with enthusiasm about the possibility of touring, mentioning to the BBC: "God, yeah. Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation." Chris playing the drums (Image: Getty Images ) In related news, Andy Bell from Mantra of the Cosmos confirmed last week his participation in Liam and Noel's reunion tour. The bass player, who was part of Oasis from 1999 to 2009, expressed his excitement about reuniting with the band. The BBC Breakfast featured an interview with Zak where he discussed his tenure with The Who, for whom he has drummed since 1996. Recent headlines claimed he was sacked following a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in March, but during the interview, Zak cleared the air by saying: "I didn't leave, I never left. We did a gig and there's a song that's called The Song is Over that they've never played live. It's on Who's Next, which is their biggest record, and I suggested it." Zak detailed how The Who agreed to play 'The Song is Over' live, albeit with some hiccups. He recounted: "We played it at the gig and it went wrong. I'm not going to name names, but it went wrong. It went four bars wrong. "We stopped it again and it was all about the drums being too loud, but my drums are electric - if you stand in front of them, you can't hear them, they're just in my ears. The next thing I know I'm getting the sack." He added: "Sack the drummer.... everybody's called me. I posted something about it, and three days later I got my job back. Then two days later, I secretly didn't get my job back and it's all gone haywire since then. "I found out the other day I wasn't fired, I was retired because I was too busy but I've actually got nothing on besides this single - and half the band are in Oasis, half the band are in Happy Mondays so they can't work, I'm totally free." Oasis is set to perform an impressive 17 dates across the UK this summer, including seven shows at London's Wembley Stadium. The list also includes performances at Manchester's Heaton Park, Cardiff's Principality Stadium, among others. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . So far the cheapest date we've found is July 25 at Wembley, with the lowest cost tickets at £230. Meanwhile, the cheapest price for Cardiff Principality Stadium is July 5, at £290. If you're keen to conduct your own research on these resale websites, here are the links you need: Article continues below
