After nearly three decades with The Who, drummer Zak Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has officially split from the band. The decision caps off months of behind-the-scenes tension and public confusion that began during a concert earlier this year.

The conflict began in March 2025, during a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Mid-show, frontman Roger Daltrey expressed frustration from the stage, saying he couldn’t hear himself over Starkey’s drumming. The comment, though brief, hinted at deeper issues within the band, causing a quick fallout. In April, Starkey was let go from the group. However, guitarist Pete Townshend later stepped in to clarify the decision. He blamed the situation on miscommunication and temporarily reinstated Starkey, attempting to smooth things over.

Just a few weeks later, the situation took another turn: Townshend announced via Instagram that Starkey would be leaving the band to pursue new projects. But Starkey pushed back, saying that he had actually been fired and had been asked to frame his departure as voluntary.

In a statement of his own, Starkey called the period “chaotic” but maintained that he was committed to the band and had hoped to continue working with them, suggesting that the final decision wasn’t entirely mutual.

Starkey had been a core part of The Who’s live sound since 1996, taking over after the death of original drummer Keith Moon. Though he was never an official band member, he played on two of their studio albums: Endless Wire (2006) and Who (2019). His dynamic drumming became a key part of their modern era.

He now plans to focus on other musical projects, including a reported collaboration with Noel Gallagher. Starkey is also working on his autobiography.

Meanwhile, The Who is moving forward with their farewell tour, titled The Song Is Over, scheduled to run from mid-August through late September 2025 across North America. Drummer Scott Devours, who has previously toured with Daltrey’s solo band, will step in to handle drums for the final run.