The Who recently made headlines after they first announced the departure of drummer Zach Starkey, the son of legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Starkey had been with the band since 1996, contributing to their dynamic sound.

Short-Lived Departure

On Saturday, in a surprising turn of events, guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend confirmed on the band’s official website and Instagram that Starkey is back with the band. “News Flash! Who Back Zak! He hasn’t been asked by Who to step down,” Townshend stated. This announcement came after a brief period of separation due to concerns raised about Starkey’s recent performance.

Addressing Performance Criticism

Following a series of critical reviews regarding Starkey’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall, both Starkey and The Who acknowledged the need for improvement. Starkey expressed pride in his nearly 30-year tenure with the band, reflecting on the mixed feedback received: “I’m amazed and saddened that there will be some issues with my performance that night, but what can you do?” he shared with the Hollywood Reporter.

Communication and Collaboration

In an effort to enhance their collaboration, Townshend mentioned that there were some personal communication issues that required addressing. He explained, “Roger and I want to close out his latest, evolved drum style to help Zack accommodate our non-orchestra lineup. He quickly agreed.” This indicates that both the band and Starkey are keen on refining their approach to better suit their evolving musical style.

Reflections on the Recent Show

Townshend also reflected on the difficulties faced during the Royal Albert Hall concert, remarking on the impact of his recent knee replacement surgery. “Maybe we didn’t put enough time on the soundcheck and didn’t give any issues on stage,” he noted, emphasizing the challenges posed by the performance settings.

Commitment to Improvement

As Starkey rejoins The Who, both parties are committed to addressing past concerns and enhancing their musical synergy. “We are a family, this explodes very quickly and there is too much oxygen,” Townshend concluded, highlighting the importance of unity in the band as they move forward together.