London, England – Zak Starkey is back as the drummer for The Who, just days after his abrupt departure from the band. Initially, The Who announced that Starkey was leaving over a disagreement regarding his performance at a recent gig at the Royal Albert Hall. The band’s guitarist and songwriter, Pete Townshend, clarified on Saturday that the decision was due to communication issues that have since been resolved.
In a statement, Townshend expressed that Starkey is not being asked to step down from The Who. He acknowledged that there were personal and private matters that needed to be addressed, and he took responsibility for the confusion. The band’s recent performances at the Royal Albert Hall were challenging, Townshend explained, as he struggled to recover fully from knee surgery in time for the shows.
Starkey, who is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, has been a part of The Who since 1996. He also has an impressive resume, having played with other notable artists such as Oasis, Johnny Marr, and Sly and Robbie. Following the announcement of his return to the band, Starkey expressed gratitude on social media for being welcomed back.
A review of the Royal Albert Hall gig mentioned that The Who’s frontman, Roger Daltrey, appeared to be frustrated with Starkey’s drumming during their performance of “The Song is Over.” Despite the challenges faced during the show, Starkey has since apologized for any mistakes made on stage.
Overall, Starkey’s reintegration into The Who’s lineup has been met with positivity from both the band members and fans. The resolution of the communication issues highlights the importance of open dialogue within musical collaborations. As The Who continues to perform and connect with audiences, Starkey’s return signals a renewed sense of unity and commitment to their craft.