Drummer Zac Starkey addresses The Who departure after reports of firing

The Who’s longtime drummer Zac Starkey has broken his silence following news he has left the group.

Starkey, who is the son of Beatles icon Ringo Starr, was with the band for 29 years, with reports on April 16 claiming that the drummer had been fired.

Now, he has shared the truth behind his abrupt departure.

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Starkey told People he couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved with the band over the past three decades, adding that it’s been “the biggest honour” to fill the shoes of his godfather “Uncle Keith”.

“I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me,” he shared.

Back in January, Starkey suffered “a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf,” however he explained that it is now healed and “does not affect my drumming or running”.

Some reports of Starkey’s departure claim it was prompted by one of the band’s performances at the Royal Albert Hall in March, in which lead singer Roger Daltrey reportedly couldn’t hear over the drums.

At the time, Metro UK reported Daltrey stopped the concert during the final song, The Song is Over, saying, “‘To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I can’t”.

“All I’ve got is drums going boom, boom, boom,” Daltrey continued.

“I can’t sing to that. I’m sorry guys.”

Watch the video above.

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Seemingly addressing the debacle, Starkey has now told People he is “surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night”.

“I plan to take some much needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of Domino Bones by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May and finishing my autobiography written solely by me,” Starkey explained.

“Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”

The news of Starkey’s departure broke on Wednesday morning, with a representative for the band telling The Independent that a “collective decision” had been made within the group following their string of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.

”They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future,” the statement concluded.

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A representative for Starkey told the publication his departure was the “typical rock’n’roll falling out”.

Just days before his split from the group was announced, Starkey shared an Instagram post seemingly preempting the decision.

“Heard today from inside source within Whose horses nose that Toger Daktrey lead singer and principal songwriter of the group unhappy with Zak the drummer’s performance at the Albert Hall a few weeks ago,” he wrote in all caps.

“And is bringing formal charges of overplaying and is literally going to zak the drummer and bring on a reserve from ‘The Burwash Carwash Skiffle ‘N’ Tickle Glee Club Harmony Without Empathy Allstars’.

“This has been confirmed by Whose long time manager WillYa YouWontYouKnow.”

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