The Who’s drummer Zak Starkey is back in the band after a messy exit last year. The legendary rock act is set to play its final shows ever, and Starkey’s return comes after he was fired and rehired multiple times in 2025. The entire episode started after a minor musical mishap during the band’s charity gig at the Royal Albert Hall, and even guitarist Pete Townshend admitted that he was confused by Starkey’s firing.
The Who went on to play their farewell North American tour with drummer Scott Devours behind the kit. However, it appears that Roger Daltrey and Zak Starkey have made up. During a recent solo show in Las Vegas, Daltrey told the audience that The Who have been rehearsing with Starkey again, and “it sounded great.”
Reconciliation and Rehearsals
Zak Starkey responded on Instagram, “Nice one Rog x. Lookin forward to tearin it up with The Who again…The rehearsal was great… I don’t think we’ve ever rehearsed as tough as that … usually we drink tea and talk about what time we’re going home!” Starkey further divulged, “We rehearsed for an afternoon and were absolutely on fire. I’m so happy to be back playing the music I love with people I love. It’s good to be home.”
Representatives for The Who and Starkey confirmed with Variety that the drummer is indeed back in the band. While The Who completed their North American farewell tour in October 2025, the band has yet to say goodbye to other parts of the world. Earlier this summer, Roger Daltrey told the Arizona Republic, “It’s not over by any means. It’s just that was the last tour of America for The Who.”
Upcoming Tour Dates
As of now, The Who have no tour dates scheduled, but Roger Daltrey is in the midst of a US tour that runs through a September 29th show in Medford, Massachusetts. Fans can pick up tickets to see Daltrey live, and it’s possible that The Who will announce more shows in the future. With Zak Starkey back behind the kit, the band is ready to deliver their unique sound to fans around the world one last time.
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