A significant rift has emerged between legendary frontman Roger Daltrey and former The Who drummer Zak Starkey, ignited by what Daltrey described as “incredibly upsetting” remarks from Starkey. This public fallout has cast a spotlight on the dynamics within one of rock’s most iconic bands, bringing long-simmering tensions to the surface for fans and critics alike.
At the heart of the dispute lies Daltrey’s staunch declaration regarding the band’s foundational identity. He asserted, “Pete and I retain the right to be The Who. Everyone else is a session player,” a statement that pointedly sidelines Starkey and others who have contributed to the band’s extensive discography and touring history.
The catalyst for this recent escalation appears to be an onstage incident during a performance of “The Song is Over.” Accounts suggest a timing discrepancy where Daltrey reportedly entered too early, an error attributed by some to a glitch during the live set.
However, Starkey presented a differing narrative, firmly refuting any culpability on his part. He contended that poor planning and insufficient rehearsal were the true culprits, leading to the onstage mishap. Starkey famously retorted, “What happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong,” directly challenging Daltrey’s implied criticism.
Further elaborating on the technical aspects of the performance, Starkey explained that excessive sub-bass in the drum sound severely hampered his ability to maintain pitch and timing, likening the situation to “flying a plane without seeing the horizon.” This technical difficulty, he argued, was the root cause of the perceived issue.
Daltrey, reflecting on the heated onstage exchange, clarified his frustration was primarily directed at the technical challenges rather than a personal attack on Starkey. He described his frantic gestures as an attempt to communicate the sound issues, emphasizing that his intent was not to “have a go at him,” but to address the performance impediment.
Adding another layer to the complex narrative, conflicting reports emerged concerning Starkey’s departure. While the band initially stated that the drummer willingly exited due to other commitments, Starkey adamantly countered this, claiming he was indeed dismissed and had no desire to leave the group.
The back-and-forth between the musicians highlights the volatile nature of long-standing creative partnerships, especially within the high-pressure environment of a legendary rock band. Daltrey’s ultimate reassertion of his and Pete Townshend’s sole proprietorship over The Who’s name underscores a deeply rooted possessiveness over their enduring legacy and identity.
