Zak Starkey wants to tear it up with The Who again

Liam Brooks 08/31/2026

The Beat Returns: Zak Starkey and The Who Find Harmony Again

The legendary lineup of The Who is gearing up for a reunion, and the man at the heart of the rhythm section, Zak Starkey, is officially back in the fold. The veteran timekeeper, and son of Ringo Starr, has confirmed that his off, on, and off tenure with the iconic band is firmly back on the schedule as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icons begin rehearsals.

This unexpected rapprochement comes after a period of intense, complicated history between Starkey and the band, led by Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend. For nearly three decades, Starkey was a fixture behind the kit, but the path to the present moment was marked by a tumultuous back-and-forth.

The journey of the drummer with The Who has been anything but smooth. After beginning a nearly thirty-year tenure with the group in 1996, reports suggested that Starkey had been asked to step down. This decision followed reports that Daltrey had experienced difficulties hearing his vocals over Starkey’s playing during performances.

The situation evolved into a messy series of changes. Starkey was unexpectedly rehired, only to be asked to step away again a few days later. This instability ultimately led to drummer Scott Devours joining the band for a farewell North American tour, concluding the group’s extensive run.

Now, however, a different chapter is being written. The recent rehearsals have signaled a powerful shift. When Starkey shared his excitement about the process, he noted the exceptional chemistry: “The rehearsal was great. I don’t think we’ve ever rehearsed as tough as that.”

The recent work has clearly bridged the past and present. Singer Roger Daltrey himself expressed optimism about the future, noting that the separation was simply a pause, not an end. He stated that while the previous tour marked the last one of America for the band, the potential for continued connection remains open.

“It’s not over by any means,” Daltrey commented, emphasizing that the history between the musicians is strong. The focus now shifts to what comes next, with whispers emerging about the possibility of The Who continuing their musical journey in other regions with Starkey behind the drums.