The Who’s Roger Daltrey Accuses Zak Starkey of “Character Assassination” After Drummer’s Firing
The Who’s Roger Daltrey has recently leveled serious accusations against former drummer Zak Starkey, referring to his statements following his dismissal as an act of “character assassination.” This dramatic exchange follows Starkey’s exit from the iconic band amid a flurry of controversy and miscommunication, raising questions about the dynamics behind the scenes. As both musicians navigate their split, the ramifications of Starkey’s comments remain a focal point in discussions about the band’s future.
The Background of the Split
Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, parted ways with The Who in May after a series of conflicting reports surrounding his role. The band’s guitarist, Pete Townshend, ultimately announced that it was time for a change, bringing an end to Starkey’s tenure that began in 1996. Tensions reportedly escalated after a series of performances at the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust in March, during which Starkey’s relationship with Daltrey and Townshend became strained.
Starkey’s Comments Draw Fire
In a candid interview with NME, Starkey revealed that Daltrey insisted he publicly apologize for a perceived mistake during a performance, saying, “Roger demanded a public apology and me admitting that I dropped two beats.” However, he claimed to have delivered the apology accompanied by a comedic twist, which ultimately did not salvage his position. Starkey later expressed his frustration over the way Daltrey has characterized his exit from the band, labeling the assertion that he was “retired” as “fukin total bollox.”
Daltrey Responds to Accusations
In a follow-up interview with The Times, Roger Daltrey addressed Starkey’s remarks directly, stating, “It was kind of a character assassination and it was incredibly upsetting.” He provided context to the events at the Royal Albert Hall, emphasizing that the sound issues during performances led to misunderstandings. “I was pointing to the bass drum and screaming at [Starkey] because it was like flying a plane without seeing the horizon,” Daltrey elaborated, insisting that their disagreements did not stem from personal animosity.
Future of The Who
Following Starkey’s exit, The Who announced that drummer Scott Devours would step in for their upcoming farewell tour. Devours remarked on the weight of taking over this role, acknowledging fans’ disappointment over Starkey’s departure. “I understand if fans are ‘gutted’ by Starkey’s loss,” he said. The farewell tour is set to kick off in Florida on August 16, with additional dates across various states, including New Jersey and New York. Fans can find ticket information through the band’s official channels.
The ongoing discussions and public exchanges highlight the complexities of long-standing musical partnerships and the often-challenging nature of transitions within iconic bands like The Who. As the farewell tour approaches, all eyes will be on the group to see how they redefine their legacy moving forward.
