'The Who' fires drummer Zak Starkey again ahead of farewell tour 

On May 18, 2025, The Who announced via their official Instagram account that Zak Starkey would not be drumming for the band’s North American farewell tour.

The band informed that Scott Devours, who has also played with Roger Daltrey’s solo band, will fill the drum seat for the tour that runs from August 16 through September 28, 2025. This is Starkey’s second departure in four weeks, following an earlier split and brief return in mid-April 2025.

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Why Zak Starkey was asked to leave again

The Who first announced Zak Starkey's exit on April 16, 2025, citing “communication issues” linked to sound-check problems. Days later, Pete Townshend explained that his recent knee surgery had disrupted their routine, and he apologized for any “confusion” before bringing Starkey back.

However, on May 18, Townshend posted again, writing “the time has come for a change,” and confirming Zak Starkey would not be part of the upcoming shows.

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What did Zak Starkey say about his departure?

Zak Starkey took to Instagram to share his side, stating flatly,

“I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavours,”

which he refused, and stated as untrue. In a more detailed post, he added,

“I love The Who and would never have quit,”

and thanked fans for their support during the “weeks of mayhem”. Zak Starkey has been with The Who since 1996 and played on albums like Endless Wire (2006) and Who (2019).

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Who will play drums on the farewell tour?

The Who named Scott Devours as Starkey’s replacement for all North American dates. Devours has filled in for Starkey on multiple occasions since 2013, including parts of the 2012 Quadrophenia tour and warm-up shows before larger festivals.

As a regular member of Daltrey’s solo band, he is familiar with the material and travel routine, making him a practical choice for the final run of 14 shows.

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What can fans expect on the farewell tour?

The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour opens on August 16 in Sunrise, Florida, and concludes on September 28 in Las Vegas. Founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have promised to perform hits spanning their six-decade career, from Tommy to Quadrophenia.

As Townshend reflected,

“Well, all good things must come to an end. It is a poignant time,”

Underlining the band’s intention to honor their history without plans for further lineup changes. Fans can look forward to a setlist mixing classic anthems with deeper tracks, delivered with the energy that has defined The Who live for generations.

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