Veteran drummer Zak Starkey has officially rejoined The Who following a high-profile departure in 2025. The reconciliation comes as the legendary rock group begins rehearsals for potential new performances, potentially extending their time on the road.
The Royal Albert Hall dispute that fractured The Who
The rift between Zak Starkey and his bandmates began in April 2025, when the drummer was unceremoniously removed from the group. According to the report, the decision was spearheaded by frontman Roger Daltrey following a series of performances at London's Royal Albert Hall. The conflict reportedly centered on technical sound issues, with Daltrey allegedly struggling to hear his own vocals over Starkey's powerful drumming style.
This departure ended a nearly 30-year tenure for Starkey, who first joined the band in 1996. To fill the void, The Who brought in drummer Scott Devours, who helped the group complete a North American farewell tour that concluded in October. The public back-and-forth between the drummer and the band members, including guitarist Pete Townshend, suggested a permanent end to the partnership.
From Las Vegas hints to intense rehearsal sessions
The possibility of a reunion was first signaled by Roger Daltrey during a solo performance at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas last Wednesday. The 80-year-old singer informed his audience that the band was preparing to work together again with Starkey back on the drums. This unexpected news was later confirmed by the 60-year-old drummer himself.
Starkey described the recent rehearsal sessions as being "on fire," noting a level of intensity that differs from the band's usual prapration. he joked that while they typically spend time drinking tea and discussing when they can go home, these recent sessions have been much more focused. Starkey expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the music and the people he loves, stating that it "feels good to be home."
A 'farewell' tour that didn't actually end the band
The return of Zak Starkey complicates the narrative surrounding the group's recent touring history. While the North American run was marketed as a final farewell,the current rehearsals suggest that The Who are not yet ready to hang up their instruments.. This development contradicts previous statements made by Daltrey regarding the band's future in the United States.
As the report notes, the rapprochement idnicates that the professional and personal tensions between Starkey and the rest of the band, including Pete Townshend, have been resolved. This shift from a "farewell" status to active rehearsal mode suggests a significant change in the band's long-term trajectory.
Will The Who announce new global tour dates?
Despite the momentum of the reunion, several critical details remain unverified. A spokesperson for The Who has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the group's future plans or whether a formal tour schedule will be released. fans are currently left to speculate on when and where the band will next perform with Starkey behind the kit.
There also remains the question of how the band will address the technical issues that led to the initial split. It is yet to be seen if the group will implement new sound configurations to ensure that Daltrey's vocals are not overshadowed by the drumming during these upcoming global performances.
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