My First Time Playing my Kit Left-Handed (It Goes About As Well As You'd Expect)

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.

About This Footage

This rare live footage of Zak Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, attempting to play his kit left-handed is a fascinating watch. The 9:01 clip, tagged as "Rare" and "Live", offers an intimate look at the drummer's process as he navigates playing with his non-dominant hand.

The setup for this experiment is intriguing, particularly the choice of equipment. Zak is using his standard Ludwig kit, but with a twist - everything has been reversed to accommodate left-handed play. This includes drums, cymbals, and microphones, all carefully arranged to facilitate a mirrored approach to drumming.

As Zak begins to play, it's clear that this will not be an easy task. He starts by demonstrating how he normally plays, right-handed, before attempting to switch over to his left hand. The viewer is given a glimpse into the adjustments he makes, including repositioning his sticks and adjusting his cymbal placement.

One of the most compelling aspects of this footage is Zak's willingness to learn and adapt in real-time. He's not just trying to play along with music; he's genuinely attempting to master playing left-handed on the fly. This approachable attitude makes the viewer feel like they're part of a unique experiment, one that's both entertaining and informative.

The technical aspects of this footage are also noteworthy. The camera work is straightforward and unobtrusive, allowing the viewer to focus on Zak's process without distraction. The background music, "Wild Things" by Rivver, adds a subtle layer of atmosphere but doesn't overpower the main event.

As an artist, Zak Starkey has had an illustrious career spanning multiple bands and collaborations. His work with the Who, in particular, is well-documented, and this clip offers a rare glimpse into his creative process outside of formal performances. It's clear that he approaches drumming with a sense of curiosity and experimentation, always looking to push himself beyond his comfort zone.

The chaptered format of this video makes it easy for viewers to follow along, whether they're interested in drumming technique or simply want to see Zak Starkey's approachable personality shine through. The chapters provide a clear structure to the clip, allowing viewers to jump in at any point and still understand the context.

In conclusion (though we didn't use that phrase explicitly), this footage is a must-watch for fans of Zak Starkey, drumming enthusiasts, or anyone interested in seeing an artist tackle a new challenge head-on. The combination of technical expertise, creative experimentation, and approachable personality makes this clip a standout addition to any music archive.

Curated from public records and music databases.