In a surprising turn of events, The Who dismissed their long-serving drummer Zak Starkey not once, but twice in 2025. Even the band's co-founder and lead guitarist Pete Townshend remains uncertain about the reasons behind this tumultuous decision. The discord began during a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2025, where singer Roger Daltrey accused Starkey of overplaying and missing beats on "The Song is Over." Despite being reinstated shortly after, Starkey was formally let go again in April. Amidst these developments, Townshend admits to not noticing any issues with Starkey's drumming, attributing the rift to sound-related challenges.

According to Townshend, the tension escalated due to the band’s prolonged absence from playing together consistently. He noted that the issue might stem from the overall sound quality rather than Starkey's performance. In an interview with The i Paper, Townshend expressed his regret over the situation, acknowledging the loss of both Starkey and his sound engineer as consequences of the incident. He emphasized the complexity of working alongside Daltrey, who reportedly gets upset when criticized, highlighting the delicate balance required in their partnership.

Townshend further revealed that Starkey’s recruitment into the band years ago was initiated by Daltrey. He described Starkey as another Keith Moon, referencing the original drummer who passed away in 1978. While acknowledging Starkey's significant contributions, Townshend also recognized the challenges he brought to the group. His departure marks the end of an era, with Scott Devours stepping in as the new drummer for what is billed as The Who’s farewell tour.

As The Who embarks on their final tour, Townshend reflects on the band's legacy and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye. Despite internal conflicts, the band aims to celebrate their storied history with fond memories, love, and laughter. Fans are encouraged to join them in this nostalgic journey, ensuring that the last chapter of The Who resonates with both longtime admirers and newcomers alike.

With the curtain drawing on The Who's illustrious career, the recent drama surrounding Starkey's dismissal serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in maintaining longstanding musical partnerships. As the band moves forward, they hope to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, encapsulating the spirit and essence of their unparalleled musical journey.