Iconic band The Who axes Zak Starkey after ‘huge fall out’

One of the world’s most iconic rock bands has cut a member loose after almost 30 years together in what has been described as an “acrimonious” split.

Legendary rock band The Who have sacked drummer Zak Starkey, who has been part of the band for nearly three decades.

The Sun reported Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have sacked their long-time drummer Zak Starkey.

They are said to have parted ways following a “huge fall out”.

“The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” a spokesperson for band said.

“They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”

According to sources, Roger and Pete’s decision has “upset” Zak, who is the son of legendary The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.

An insider told The Mirror: “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least.”

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend in 2016. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The band have been together since 1996. Photo: Instagram

The fall out is believed to have occurred during two recent Royal Albert Hall performances.

Sources claim there were some questions raised over Zak’s drumming at the March shows, which were in honour of Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity.

While fans seemed to be thrilled with the band’s shows at the iconic venue, insiders claim there were a “few issues with the drumming … and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted.”

However, another source told the outlet that it’s a blow to the band to see Zak go.

“He is an extremely talented drummer and it doesn’t make any sense.” they said.

Zak joined The Who – who’s original drummer was the late Keith Moon – in 1996 on their Quadrophenia Tour.

He is also known for playing with Oasis, and was previously tipped to join them on their reunion tour.

Starkey and Daltrey at the Hollywood Bowl. Photo: Facebook

Musician Ringo Starr, drummer with band The Beatles, with his first wife Maureen Starkey and their son Zak in 1965 photo.

During the same Royal Albert Hall concerts, Roger opened up about his ill health.

Standing on stage in his trademark purple-tinted glasses, he said: “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf, I also now have got the joy of going blind.

“Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy.”

Tommy is the name of the band’s iconic 1969 rock opera album, which follows the story of Tommy Walker, an army soldier who later becomes deaf, dumb and blind.

Bandmate Pete also joked he was “Superman” now after getting his knee replaced, and told the audience: “Maybe I should auction off the old one.

“Elton John had one done, and he wears his as a bracelet.

“Unfortunately, mine’s in three bits.”

This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.

Originally published as Iconic band The Who axes Zak Starkey after ‘huge fall out’