Here is a more detailed paraphrased version of the text in English:
Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr and drummer for The Who since 1996, has revealed that he was let go from the band just two weeks after being reinstated. Zak claimed he was asked to make a public statement saying he had “quit” the band to focus on other music projects—but refused, calling it a lie. In a post he shared online, Zak expressed his frustration, writing:
“I was fired two weeks after being reinstated and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue other musical endeavours. That would have been a lie. I love The Who and would never have quit. So I didn’t make the statement. Quitting would have let down all the amazing people who supported me during the chaos of going ‘in and out and in and out like a bleeding squeezebox’.”
About an hour after Zak’s statement, The Who’s founding members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey issued their own official response via the band’s social media channels. They explained that The Who is approaching the end of its journey, suggesting that Zak, being 20 years younger than them, should focus his energy on new opportunities with his own band and other exciting projects.
Their post read:
“The Who are heading for retirement, whereas Zak is 20 years younger and has a great future with his new band and other exciting projects. He needs to devote all his energy into making those a success. We both wish him all the luck in the world.
Scott Devours – Who fans will know him from Roger’s solo shows – will be replacing Zak. We hope all our fans will welcome him.”
This public statement came after an already turbulent few weeks. Just last month, The Who had initially parted ways with Zak after a round of performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall. At the time, a band spokesperson stated that it was a collective decision, and that the group held nothing but admiration for Zak, wishing him success in his future endeavors.
However, things shifted quickly. Days after that announcement, Pete Townshend clarified that Zak had been welcomed back. In an attempt to clear the air, Pete admitted there had been communication issues on both sides. He emphasized that Zak had agreed to slightly alter his drumming style to better suit The Who’s non-orchestral line-up. Pete also opened up about his own struggles, noting that he had underestimated the time he needed to fully recover from knee replacement surgery, which affected their recent performances.
Townshend explained:
“There have been some communication issues, personal and private, on all sides, that needed to be dealt with—and they have been, happily.
Roger and I asked Zak to tighten up his evolved drumming style for our non-orchestral shows, and he agreed. I take responsibility for some of the confusion.
Our shows at the Royal Albert Hall were tricky for me because I thought I’d fully recover from knee surgery in time, which didn’t happen. Maybe we didn’t spend enough time on sound checks, and that created problems on stage. Zak made a few mistakes, and he apologized—with a joke involving a rubber duck drummer.”
Pete also acknowledged the rumors that Scott Devours was going to permanently replace Zak and apologized to Scott for not shutting down the speculation earlier. He praised Scott for always being supportive and said he owed him a drink and a hug.
Pete wrapped up by saying The Who is like a family, and while things escalated quickly, the situation is now in the past. The band is moving forward with optimism.
In response to all of this, Zak took a respectful and appreciative tone, posting:
“Very grateful to be a part of The Who family. Thanks Roger and Pete xx.”
Zak Starkey is currently focusing on his own musical group, Mantra of the Cosmos, and had recently performed with them at the iconic Cavern Club in Liverpool.