The legendary rock band made the decision to part company with him after their two shows at the Royal Albert Hall in March, where they performed their iconic hits
Rock legends The Who have given their long-time drummer Zak Starkey the boot after their recent gigs at the Royal Albert Hall.
Starkey has been drumming for The Who since their Quadrophenia Tour back in ’96.
A spokesperson for the band announced: “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
A source said that Zak is gutted with the band’s decision. They said: “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least.”
There were rumours that there were some raised eyebrows over Zak’s performance during the March concerts, which were all for Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity bash.
Their two-night residency boasted a star-studded audience, including celebs like Bill Murray, Sadie Frost, Paul McKenna, and Tracy-Ann Oberman. Hollywood’s own Bill Murray was even snapped having a chinwag with Daltrey post-show.
Despite the crowd going wild with a standing ovation for the band, some sneaky sources suggest there were “a few issues with the drumming….and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted.”
Yet, there are those who reckon Zak’s been unfairly treated. A source said: “He is an extremely talented drummer and it doesn’t make any sense.”
Zak faced a health scare with a blood clot in his leg this January. The 59 year old rock star, who also plays in indie band Mantra of the Cosmos, was told to rest and takeblood thinners for a fortnight after the scare.
In 2004, Zak filled the gap left by Alan White’s departure from Oasis, becoming a member of the band until its split in 2009. Rumours have circulated about his potential involvement in an upcoming Oasis reunion.
Last August, The Mirror reported that Zak was barred from staying at a Victorian manor house listed on Airbnb after he inadvertently revealed his plans to host a party.
The six-bedroom property in the Chilterns had been booked by Zak to celebrate his wife Sharna Liguz’s 40th birthday. However, while exploring the luxurious residence, Zak casually mentioned to the cleaners that he intended to throw a party, with notable guests including Liam Gallagher, 51, and Johnny Marr, 60.
Zak explained: “The Airbnb hosts cancelled after Googling me and seeing Oasis and The Who – the two worst-behaved bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll . It would look great on a T-shirt.”
In 2022, Zak married Sharna, also known as Sshh, in an intimate ceremony at West Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis hotel. The event was attended by Zak’s father, Ringo, and featured Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam as the best man, while Johnny Marr participated via video link.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
