DRUMMER SACKED
Legendary rock band sack drummer after 29 years following ‘huge fall out over performance at Albert Hall gigs’
He's also played with an iconic band that are touring this year
A LEGENDARY rock band have sacked their drummer, after playing together for decades.
They are said to have parted ways following a "huge fall out".
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A spokesperson for The Who revealed that Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend sacked long-time drummer Zak Starkey after shows in London.
They said: “The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.
"They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future."
According to sources, Roger and Pete's decision has "upset" Zak, who is the son of legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
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An insider told : “It’s a little acrimonious to say the least.”
The fallout is believed to have occurred during two recent Royal Albert Hall performances.
Sources claim there were some questions raised over Zak’s drumming at the March shows, which were in honour of Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust charity.
While fans seemed to be thrilled with the band's shows at the iconic venue, insiders claim there were a “few issues with the drumming....and the standard wasn’t as high as everyone wanted”.
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However, another source told the outlet that it's a blow to the band to see Zak go.
They said: “He is an extremely talented drummer and it doesn’t make any sense."
The Who rocker Roger Daltrey performs at his Las Vegas residency
Zak joined The Who - whose original drummer was the late Keith Moon - in 1996 on their Quadrophenia Tour.
He is also known for playing with Oasis, and was previously tipped to join them on their reunion tour.
However, in January it was revealed Zak fell ill with a blood clot, hours before taking to the stage with Brit supergroup Mantra Of The Cosmos.
ROGER'S ILL HEALTH
During the Royal Albert Hall concerts in March, Roger opened up about his ill health.
Standing on stage in his trademark purple-tinted glasses, he said: “The joys of getting old mean you go deaf, I also now have got the joy of going blind.
“Fortunately I still have my voice, because then I’ll have a full Tommy.”
Tommy is the name of the band’s iconic 1969 rock opera album, which follows the story of Tommy Walker, an army soldier who later becomes deaf, dumb and blind.
Bandmate Pete also joked he was “Superman” now after getting his knee replaced, and told the audience: “Maybe I should auction off the old one.
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"Elton John had one done, and he wears his as a bracelet.
"Unfortunately, mine’s in three bits.”
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