Zak Starkey and the Who Have Kissed and Made Up, as Rehearsal Reunion Is Revealed

The long-simmering discord between The Who and drummer Zak Starkey—once thought to be beyond repair—has taken an unexpected turn, as the percussionist has now reunited with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend for rehearsals ahead of potential future concerts. Starkey, who was reportedly dismissed from the band in April 2025, appears to have mended fences, with both Daltrey and Starkey issuing public statements confirming the reconciliation. Representatives for both parties verified the accuracy of these declarations to Variety, putting to rest speculation that the split was permanent.

During a solo performance at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, Daltrey surprised the audience by revealing that he had recently rehearsed with Starkey, remarking that “it sounded great,” as noted in the Las Vegas Journal-Review’s review of the show. This admission was particularly striking given that Daltrey was widely seen as the band member most frustrated with Starkey’s drumming or conduct, though the singer later suggested he had been unfairly cast as the scapegoat for a decision that wasn’t solely his. Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, quickly confirmed the news on social media, posting a screenshot of the review with the caption: “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!” He followed up with a formal statement to Variety, expressing his enthusiasm: “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.”

For those wondering whether The Who had already bid farewell, it’s worth noting that the band concluded a U.S. farewell tour in October 2025, which Starkey was excluded from after his dismissal. However, Daltrey clarified to the Arizona Republic that this only marked the end of American dates, not the group’s overall activity. “It’s not over by any means,” he said, adding that the band had rehearsed to prepare for a European farewell tour, though he didn’t initially mention Starkey’s involvement. The reasons behind Starkey’s ouster remain murky, with some attributing it to a live performance disagreement over “The Song Is Over,” while insiders hinted at deeper issues. In a July 2025 interview with Variety, Starkey, who had played with The Who for three decades, voiced his frustration, saying, “I’m the most famous drummer on welfare,” and alleging that he was pressured to claim the departure was his choice—a request he refused. He also noted his father’s support during the ordeal and expressed cautious optimism about a possible return, stating, “I feel like anything could happen, but if it doesn’t, I’m cool with it, man.”

The reunion, while surprising, underscores the enduring bond between the musicians, who have weathered numerous ups and downs over the years. Starkey’s tenure with The Who, which began in the mid-1990s, saw him contribute to albums like “Endless Wire” and perform on countless tours, cementing his reputation as a dynamic drummer. For Daltrey and Townshend—both in their late 70s and early 80s—the decision to bring Starkey back may reflect a desire to end the band’s storied career on a harmonious note. As Starkey himself mused, “How many times do you get fired twice?” The prospect of a European farewell tour now seems more tangible, with fans eagerly awaiting official announcements. While the exact timeline remains unclear, the recent rehearsal suggests that The Who’s final chapter is far from written, and that the chemistry that defined their legendary live shows might yet be revived for one last bow.