In a surprising turn of events, legendary rock band The Who has officially parted ways with their drummer Zak Starkey for the second time in just one month. The split was announced on Sunday via Instagram by both the band and Starkey himself, sparking confusion and contrasting accounts from each side.

Mixed Messages: Mutual Split or Firing?

Pete Townshend, The Who’s iconic guitarist and main songwriter, hinted the decision was mutual, saying, “the time has come for a change,” and wishing Starkey well with his upcoming projects. But Starkey told a different story, claiming he was outright “fired” and pressured to say he had quit to focus on other musical endeavors.

“It’s been weeks of mayhem, with me going in and out like a bleedin’ squeezebox,” Starkey said, highlighting the chaos behind the scenes.

A Rocky Month for Starkey

Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has been a key part of The Who’s lineup since 1996. However, last month, the band reportedly fired him after being unhappy with his performance during a show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Surprisingly, just days later, the band reversed course, announcing Starkey would return after some “communication issues, personal and private on all sides” were resolved. Townshend even addressed the concert troubles, admitting, “maybe we didn’t put enough time into sound checks,” and acknowledging the challenges of performing live.

Why the Sudden Reversal?

Despite the initial reinstatement, it remains unclear why the band changed their minds again. CNN has reached out for comment but hasn’t received a response.

Townshend’s recent statement confirmed the split, saying Starkey has “lots of new projects” and wishing him the best. Starkey pushed back, noting his other work has never interfered with The Who’s sporadic touring schedule.

What’s Next for Zak Starkey?

Starkey’s representative said he’s “quite chilled about the whole affair” and focused on a fresh, contemporary project: his supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos, whose upcoming single features Oasis star Noel Gallagher.

The Who’s Farewell Tour Looms

Starkey’s departure comes just three months before The Who’s highly anticipated farewell North American tour, nearly six decades after the band first hit the scene.

With only Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey remaining of the original four founding members — bassist John Entwhistle passed away in 2002, and original drummer Keith Moon, Starkey’s godfather, died in 1978 — Starkey had long been considered the band’s “unofficial” official drummer.

For the upcoming tour, Townshend announced that Scott Devours will step in as drummer. Devours, who has performed with Daltrey on solo gigs and previously filled in for Starkey, is set to carry the beat for The Who’s final shows.

Source: CNN – The Who fire drummer Zak Starkey for second time in a month

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Legendary musician Billy Joel has postponed several upcoming concert dates to focus on recovery following a recent surgery.

On Tuesday, Joel shared the news on Instagram, announcing that his tour will be rescheduled for four months as he undergoes physical therapy under medical supervision.

“While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first. I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding.”

Full Recovery Expected

Although details about Joel’s medical condition were not disclosed, the statement reassured fans that he is expected to make a full recovery.

The rescheduled concerts will take place between November 2025 and July 2026. Existing ticket holders will have their purchases honored for the new dates.

Tour Schedule Adjustments

The tour is set to resume on July 5 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. One of the postponed shows, originally scheduled for March 15, 2025, in Toronto at the Rogers Centre, has been moved to March 14, 2026.

Music icons Sting and Stevie Nicks are set to join Joel for several of the rescheduled performances.

Previous On-Stage Fall

The announcement comes weeks after Joel took a tumble on stage while performing “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Arena. A video captured by a concertgoer showed him falling backward, but he quickly got back up and continued his performance.

Source

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