song is over
The Who drummer breaks silence after being sacked from band
Watch our video as Roger has words with the drummer
THE WHO drummer Zak Starkey has broken his silence after being sacked from the band.
It was revealed yesterday that Zak, 59, had parted ways with the legendary group after a "huge fallout" at London's Royal Albert Hall.
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The drummer, who had played with the rockers since their 1996 Quadrophenia Tour, addressed the circumstances surrounding his departure in a statement.
He told : “I’m very proud of my near thirty years with The Who.
"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.”
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He added that a medical emergency earlier this year may have sparked concerns.
Zak said: “In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf.
"This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.”
Despite the band reportedly being unhappy with his performance during the March 30 gig, Zak stood by his playing.
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He insisted that he was "surprised and saddened" that anyone would have an issue with the performance, adding that he will spend his "much needed" time off with family.
Zak is also focusing on the release of music with Shaun Ryder supergroup, Mantra Of The Cosmos, and finishing his autobiography.
The Who's Roger Daltrey performs Pinball Wizard during Tommy Live at The Royal Albert Hall
A spokesperson for The Who confirmed that Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend had sacked the long-time drummer.
They said: “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.
"They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future."
According to sources, Roger and Pete's decision has "upset" Zak, who is the son of legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
An insider previously told : “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least.”
The fallout is believed to have occurred during two recent Royal Albert Hall performances.
Sources claim there were some questions raised over Zak’s drumming at the March shows, which were in honour of Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity.
The Sun's exclusive video captures the aftermath of a spat between the Baba O'Riley hitmakers after Roger turned on Zak and told him to restart a song.
Pete, wearing his signature hat, could be seen intervening as he discussed the situation with Roger during a break in the setlist.
Who is Zak Starkey? Five key facts
ZAK Starkey has been unceremoniously sacked as The Who's drummer - yet who is he?
The Who's Roger Daltrey, 81, and bandmate Zak, 59, parted ways following a "huge fall out" at London's Royal Albert Hall.
- Zak had been The Who's drummer since their Quadropenia tour in 1996
- He is is the son of legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr
- Aside from his drumming duties for The Who, Zak is also known for playing with Oasis
- He has been tipped to play at the Manchester band's UK reunion tour
- In January it was revealed Zak fell ill with a blood clot, hours before taking to the stage with Brit supergroup Mantra Of The Cosmos
While fans seemed to be thrilled with the band's shows at the iconic venue, insiders claim there were a “few issues with the drumming....and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted”.
However, another source told the outlet that it's a blow to the band to see Zak go.
They said: “He is an extremely talented drummer and it doesn’t make any sense."
Zak joined The Who - whose original drummer was the late Keith Moon - in 1996 on their Quadrophenia Tour.
He is also known for playing with Oasis, and was previously tipped to join them on their reunion tour.
ROGER'S ILL HEALTH
During the Royal Albert Hall concerts in March, Roger opened up about his ill health.
Standing on stage in his trademark purple-tinted glasses, he said: “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf, I also now have got the joy of going blind.
“Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy.”
Tommy is the name of the band’s iconic 1969 rock opera album, which follows the story of Tommy Walker, an army soldier who later becomes deaf, dumb and blind.
Bandmate Pete also joked he was “Superman” now after getting his knee replaced, and told the audience: “Maybe I should auction off the old one.
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"Elton John had one done, and he wears his as a bracelet.
"Unfortunately, mine’s in three bits.”
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