The Who have let drummer Zak Starkey go a second time after just rehiring him recently. Ringo Starr’s son was fired, having played with the band for almost 30 years, after what appeared to be a disagreement with fellow bandmates Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend over their performance at a show at the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity in March.
Starkey was reinstated within a matter of days with guitarist Peter Townshend stating: “There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily.” Pete has now confirmed that Zak will not be joining the band for their final tour of North America. Townshend took to his Instagram on Sunday to announce the news to his fans, explaining in the caption: “After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Scott Devours, who has worked with Roger’s solo band, will join The Who for our final shows. Please welcome him.”
The Who are set to go back on tour later this year with their ‘The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour’ with both band members holding a press conference earlier in the month to announce the tour dates whilst also letting the general public know that this would be the last North American tour to end their 60 year long career.
Pete, 79, said: “Well, all good things must come to an end. It is a poignant time. For me, playing to American audiences and those in Canada has always been incredible. The warmth and engagement of those audiences began back in 1967 with hippies smoking dope, sitting on their blankets and listening deeply and intensely. Music was everywhere. We all felt equal. Today, Roger and I still carry the banner for the late Keith Moon and John Entwistle and of course, all of our long-time Who fans. I must say that although the road has not always been enjoyable for me, it is usually easy: the best job I could ever have had. I keep coming back. Every time I do, I meet new fans and feel new energy. Roger and I are in a good place, despite our age, eager to throw our weight behind this fond farewell to all our faithful fans, and hopefully to new ones who might jump in to see what they have been missing for the last 57 years. This tour will be about fond memories, love and laughter. Make sure you join in.”
Roger, 81, said: “Every musician’s dream in the early ’60s was to make it big in the US charts. For The Who, that dream came true in 1967 and our lives were changed forever. The warmth of the American audiences over the years have been inspirational to me, and reflect the feeling I remember getting after hearing the first rock records coming across the radio. Musical freedom! Rock gave us a feeling of generational rebellion. To me, America has always been great. The cultural differences had a huge impact on me, this was the land of the possible. It’s not easy to end the big part of my life that touring with The Who has been. Thanks for being there for us and look forward to seeing you one last time.”
The Who will be joined by new drummer Scott Devours on their last tour. Devours is known for his band No Plan B whilst also having toured and collaborated with Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Honey Honey and more.
