Just a matter of days ago, The Who made headlines by announcing their amicable separation from Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son and their drummer since 1996. However, this brief chapter of change proved fleeting. On Saturday, the tables turned as it was joyously proclaimed: "News Flash! The Who Have Reunited with Zak! He has not been dismissed from our ranks," echoed a heartfelt post by Pete Townshend, the band's legendary guitarist and songwriter, shared both on their official website and his Instagram page.
Townshend elaborated, "We've navigated some personal and confidential communication hurdles from all sides, and we're pleased to report they've been happily resolved. Roger and I have asked Zak to refine his latest, evolved drumming style to better suit our non-orchestral lineup, to which he has readily assented. I take my share of responsibility for the ensuing confusion."
Earlier this week, rumors surfaced that the band and Starkey were parting ways amidst criticism over his performance at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, which some deemed less than stellar. Starkey, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, expressed his profound pride in his nearly three-decade-long tenure with The Who. "I'm astonished and saddened that anyone would take issue with my performance that evening, but what can one do?" he pondered.
Addressing the concert's performance on the band's website, Townshend reflected, "Our TCT shows at the Royal Albert Hall presented unique challenges for me. I mistakenly believed that four and a half weeks would suffice for a full recovery from my knee replacement surgery. (What was I thinking, landing on my knees?) I was mistaken! Perhaps we underestimated the importance of sound checks, leading to stage difficulties. The center stage sound is always the most demanding to manage. Roger faced no fault but adjusted his in-ear monitors, while Zak made a couple of slip-ups, for which he has since apologized – albeit with a touch of humor, as seen with his rubber duck drumming."
He further emphasized, "We are a family, and this storm blew up unexpectedly, feeding on too much attention. It's behind us now. We press on with renewed optimism and a burning desire in our hearts."
