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Pete Townshend Reveals the Truth Behind Zak Starkey’s Second Dismissal from The Who: I’m Sorry, Zak — DeepCutsArchive
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Pete Townshend Reveals the Truth Behind Zak Starkey’s Second Dismissal from The Who: I’m Sorry, Zak

Zak Starkey
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Pete Townshend Reveals the Truth Behind Zak Starkey’s Second Dismissal from The Who: ‘I’m Sorry, Zak’ #petetownshend​ #zakstarkey​ #thewho​

About Zak Starkey

Zak Richard Starkey (born 13 September 1965) is an English rock drummer who toured and recorded with the Who from 1996 to 2025. Other musicians and bands he has worked with include Oasis, Johnny Marr, the Icicle Works, the Lightning Seeds, and the Semantics. He is the son of the Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey.

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Added 29 Mar 2026



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About This Footage

The recent upload of a 3:13 clip to YouTube, titled "Pete Townshend Reveals the Truth Behind Zak Starkey's Second Dismissal from The Who: 'I'm Sorry, Zak'", has shed new light on a previously unexplained chapter in the storied history of one of rock music's most iconic bands. This rare footage offers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of The Who during a tumultuous period in their career.

The clip features Pete Townshend, the guitarist and primary songwriter of The Who, sharing his candid thoughts on Zak Starkey's second dismissal from the band. As the son of Ringo Starr, Zak had been touring and recording with The Who since 1996, but it appears that he was let go from the group for a second time in their long history. While the circumstances surrounding this decision are not explicitly stated in the clip, Townshend's apology to Starkey suggests that the dismissal may have been more personal than professional.

This footage is notable not only because of its rarity, but also due to the significance of Zak Starkey's tenure with The Who. As the son of Ringo Starr, Zak brought a unique perspective and musical influence to the band during his time with them. His involvement was seen as an attempt by Townshend to revitalize the band's sound and appeal to a new generation of fans.

The clip also highlights the complex relationships within The Who during this period. With the departure of Keith Moon in 1978, the band had undergone significant changes, including the addition of Zak Starkey on drums. However, it appears that these changes may not have been as seamless as initially thought, and tensions may have arisen between Townshend and Starkey.

Townshend's apology to Starkey is a poignant moment in the clip, suggesting that there may be more to this story than meets the eye. As one of rock music's most influential figures, Townshend's opinions carry significant weight, and his willingness to share his thoughts on this matter adds depth to our understanding of The Who's history.

The upload of this rare footage is a welcome addition to the online archive of The Who's history. It provides a unique window into the band's inner workings during a pivotal period in their career, and offers fans a new perspective on the complex relationships within the group. As such, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of rock music's most iconic bands.

In addition to its historical significance, this clip also highlights the enduring legacy of The Who as one of rock music's most innovative and influential bands. With their groundbreaking albums and live performances, they have left an indelible mark on the genre, and continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

The release of this rare footage serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing the history of rock music. By making these previously unseen moments available online, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships and creative decisions that have shaped the course of rock music's most iconic bands.

Curated from public records and music databases.

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