Zak Starkey ‘surprised and saddened’ the Who fired him after 28 years

The Who’s sacking of Zak Starkey after 29 years shows that session musicians are only as good as their last show

Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, was let go after a bad show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March

Drummer leaves band mid-tour: ‘IT’S BEEN A CRAZY 24 HOURS’

One band’s tour turned into quite the wild ride for a moment.

The Who fires Ringo Starr’s ‘overplaying’ drummer son Zak Starkey

The Who has parted ways with drummer Zak Starkey, whose father Ringo Starr famously kept time for the Beatles.

It's Possible The Who Fired Zak Starkey Because He Was Just Too Darn Loud

Why did The Who fire Zak Starkey? He joined the English rock band as their drummer in 1996. Almost three decades later, he was fired. Here's what we know.

Ringo Starr’s Son Zak Starkey Breaks Silence on Sudden Exit From The Who

UPDATE — 4/17/25, 2:18 p.m. ET: Zak Starkey is speaking out after his apparent firing from The Who. “I’m very proud of my near 30 years with The Who,” Starkey said in a statement to People on Wednesday, April 16. “Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘Uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.” Ringo Starr’s son confirmed he suffered a “serious medical emergency” in January. With time, h…

Zak Starkey ‘surprised and saddened’ the Who fired him after 28 years

Zak Starkey, the drummer son of Ringo Starr, says he was “surprised and saddened” over reports that drama forced him from the Who after nearly three decades with the English rock band.