About This Footage
This rare footage of Zak Starkey's tumultuous tenure with The Who is a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of rock music's most iconic bands. At just 0:38 minutes long, this clip packs a punch, offering a condensed but intense look at a dramatic moment in the band's history.
The fact that Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey, was fired by The Who before being reinstated is remarkable enough on its own. But what makes this footage truly notable is its rarity – it's not often that we get to see behind-the-scenes moments like this from such a legendary band.
As a drummer who toured and recorded with The Who from 1996 to 2025, Zak Starkey was an integral part of the band's sound during their later years. His work with Oasis, Johnny Marr, and other notable musicians only adds to his impressive credentials as a rock drummer. But it's this particular incident that shines a light on the often-turbulent relationships within bands like The Who.
The clip itself is brief but telling, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of professional music-making. We can only imagine what led up to Zak Starkey's firing and subsequent reinstatement – was it creative differences, personality clashes, or something else entirely? Whatever the reason, this footage serves as a reminder that even in the most iconic bands, drama and tension are always lurking just beneath the surface.
It's also worth noting that The Who themselves have had their fair share of internal conflicts over the years. Pete Townshend's well-documented struggles with addiction and ego, combined with Roger Daltrey's own strong personality, created a volatile mix that sometimes boiled over into public view. Zak Starkey's involvement in this particular incident only adds to the intrigue.
While we can't know for certain what really went down behind closed doors, this footage offers a tantalizing glimpse into the inner workings of one of rock music's most beloved bands. As such, it's a must-see for fans of The Who and Zak Starkey alike – even if it only lasts 38 brief seconds.
As we watch this clip, we're reminded that even in the world of rock music, where camaraderie and shared passion are supposed to be the norm, personalities and egos can sometimes get the better of people. This footage serves as a fascinating case study in the complex dynamics at play within bands like The Who – and it's a testament to Zak Starkey's enduring legacy that we're still talking about this incident all these years later.
In many ways, this rare clip is a time capsule from a bygone era of rock music. It offers a glimpse into a world where bands were often as much about the personalities involved as they were about the music itself. As such, it's a must-see for anyone interested in the inner workings of one of rock's most iconic bands – and a fascinating footnote in the ongoing story of Zak Starkey's remarkable career.
Curated from public records and music databases.
