It’s the never-ending story …
Drummer Zak Starkey Says He Was Fired a Second Time from The Who Ahead of the Band’s Farewell Tour.
In Zak’s own words …
I was fired two weeks after
reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the who to pursue
my other musical endevours this would be a lie. I love the who and would never
had quit. So I didn’t make the statement ….quitting the who would also have let
down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million
times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going ‘in an out an in an
out an in an out like a bleedin squeezebox x To clarify ‘other projects’ yes I
do have other projects and always have. The Who have been sporadic or
minimalist in touring most years apart from a two extensive tours in 2000 and
2006/7
To be precise while I was in the who 1996-1999 I had other projects with
Johnny Marr, Lightning Seeds and Mike Scott.
2000-2003 Johnny Marr and The Healers opening for oasis in Europe releasing album and 6 month world tour 2004-2008 Oasis 2 studio albums and 120live shows. 2006-2017 Pengu!Ns , Sshh touring internationally. Releasing 3 singles, Kasabian bbc proms 2007 Weller Coxon Starkey Mani.
2015 Hollywood Vampires Roxy LA shows and rock in Rio 2017-2020 Trojan Jamaica record label releasing three albums and winning Grammy for best reggae album 2020 2020 Peter Green Tribute Concert .
As u see there has always been time for other projects … 2022-2025/now mantra of the cosmos with Shaun Ryder Bez Andy Bell and NG. Releasing singles but not touring cos members are so busy. None of this has ever interfered with The Who and was never a problem for them . The lie is or would have been that I quit the who- i didn’t. I love the who and everyone in it.
On Sunday, The Who announced that Starkey would NOT be participating in the band’s upcoming farewell tour, The Song is Over, which was announced in early May and is scheduled to begin in August.
The Who’s message states Starkey’s other projects and their demands of his time as the reasoning behind the decision.
This announcement shared by the social media pages of the band and Pete Townshend, says that Scott Devours (who’s toured with Roger Daltrey for his solo project) will be the tour’s drummer (which is what Roger Daltrey wanted all along … Townshend later came forward and said the whole originally firing was just one big misunderstanding and that Starkey was NOT fired from “the touring band” The Who.)
From The Who’s official latest statement:
“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 it all 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.”
Everything printed above was current and true as of the time it was written … but, as we’ve learned, is subject to change at any moment … and for any number of numerous times and reasons. (I wish I could report that we Won't Be Fooled Again ... but that just doesn't seem to be the case with whatever the heck is going on here!!!) kk
[I wish I could report that The Kids Are Alright, but it sounds like Pete and Roger are heading out on the Magic Bus with a Substitute on drums this summer, leaving Zak with the Summertime Blues. I suppose he could proclaim "I'm Free!" ... but he seems to be far from a Happy Jack at this stage ... and who can blame him. Why they can't just all Join Together for the final blast I Can't Explain. All I know is that I will never view Roger and Pete the same way again. What a way to wrap things up. (PR is clearly NOT your strong suit, guys!) Cannot help but ask Who Are You???]
The Who have added a second date in Chicago due to an overwhelming demand for tickets. They will now be appearing here September 7th AND September 9th.
They also announced the various opening acts that will be performing with them on their 2025 North American Farewell Tour. (NOTE: As of right now, no UK Farewell Tour has been announced ... that could change, but right now the only plan is to say goodbye to North America.)
It's a varied list of co-performers on the bill ...
(we get Joe Bonamassa in Chi-Town!)
See legend below:
with Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters
with ZZ Ward
with Booker T. Jones
with The Joe Perry Project
with Feist
with Tom Cochrane
with Joe Bonamassa
with Candlebox
with Billy Idol
The Who "The Song Is Over" 2025 North America Tour
August 16th – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena
August 19th – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
August 21st – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
August 23rd – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
August 26th – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
August 28th – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
August 30th – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 2nd and 4th – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
September 7th and 9th – Chicago, IL – United Center
September 17th and 19th – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
September 21st – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
September 23rd – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
September 25th – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
September 28th – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
