Drummer Zak Starkey, who is the son of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, just publicly commented on his removal from the band The Who earlier this year after playing with them for almost three decades.
While rumors have circulated that Starkey was let go due to disagreements among the band members, Starkey said the issue was actually a “medical emergency.”
“I’m very proud of my near 30 years with The Who,” the 59-year-old musician told People, before referencing Keith Moon, the legendary drummer with The Who from 1964 until his death in 1978. “Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me.”
“In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf,” Starkey continued. “This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.”
Starkey also seemed to reference an incident that occurred during a show at Royal Albert Hall last month, when Metro reported that singer Robert Daltrey was struggling to hear over the sound of the drums.
Starkey said, “After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do?”
“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,” added Starkey. “29 years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best,” he concluded.
A rep for The Who confirmed Starkey’s departure last month, describing it as a “mutual decision.”
“The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall,” the rep told The Independent. “They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.”
The Who formed in London in 1964. The band rose to fame with their popular live performances, which made them icons of the British Invasion alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. They’re known for hits like “My Generation” and the rock opera “Tommy.”
