Zak Starkey has reconciled with the Who after a period of separation, with both the drummer and vocalist Roger Daltrey making public announcements confirming their reunion. Representatives for Starkey and the band verified the accuracy of their statements to media outlets.
Daltrey revealed the development during a solo performance at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas, telling the audience that he had recently rehearsed with Starkey and reported the session went well. The announcement came as a surprise to many observers, as Daltrey had been perceived by the public as particularly upset by Starkey’s departure. However, Daltrey later suggested he had been unfairly blamed for a decision that involved multiple parties.
Starkey subsequently confirmed Daltrey’s account through social media posts and a formal statement provided to Variety. He characterized the rehearsal as exceptionally productive, noting the band worked with unusual intensity and describing his return as returning home to play music with people he loves. Starkey had previously served as the band’s drummer for 30 years before his unexpected departure.
The reunion follows the Who’s U.S. farewell tour, which concluded in October with Starkey absent after being dismissed prior to the tour’s start. Band members have indicated the group plans to continue performing internationally and may undertake additional engagements, though the U.S. tour represented their final domestic tour. Daltrey confirmed to interviewers that the recent rehearsal was preparation for potential European performances.
Starkey’s initial firing in April 2025 generated significant public discussion regarding its circumstances. Speculation pointed to an on-stage synchronization issue during the band’s premiere performance of “The Song is Over,” though associates suggested other underlying factors. Starkey expressed confusion about the termination and later stated he had been asked to claim the departure was voluntary, which he refused to do. Following the dismissal, he characterized the situation publicly with both frustration and humor, expressing openness to reconciliation while indicating he would accept whatever outcome emerged.
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