Rock icons The Who have axed drummer Zak Starkey after 29 years.
Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has been a permanent fixture behind the drums for The Who since their Quadrophenia Tour in 1996.
A representative for The Who commented: “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
The Mirror reported that the parting was “a little acrimonious to say the least”.
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend reportedly decided to part ways with their long-standing drummer after the band’s performances at the Royal Albert Hall in March.
The two-night event, which was held in support of Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity, attracted a host of celebrities, including Bill Murray, Sadie Frost, Paul McKenna and Tracy-Ann Oberman.
Despite the audience giving The Who a standing ovation, there were rumours that the band wasn’t happy with the standard of drumming.
Starkey also plays with indie group Mantra of the Cosmos, and stepped in as the drummer for Oasis between 2004 and 2009, replacing long-time member Alan White.
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