Zak Starkey performing on stage with rock band The Who
Music

The Who Rehearse With Zak Starkey Following Bitter Fallout

After an acrimonious split, the legendary rock band hit the studio with Ringo Starr's son ahead of a rumored European farewell tour.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

The dramatic saga between legendary rock outfit The Who and their longtime drummer Zak Starkey has taken a shocking turn. Following a notoriously bitter split that seemed to seal the end of their decades-long partnership, the iconic band recently got back into the studio with Starkey for rehearsal sessions. According to new reports, the jam sessions were an absolute success, raising high hopes that the musician could be returning for the group's upcoming European farewell tour. Starkey, who is the son of Beatles drumming icon Ringo Starr, has sat behind the kit for band founders Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey since the mid-1990s. Despite his long standing as the group’s reliable backbone on stage, a deep personal and professional rift pulled the group apart. The acrimonious split quickly turned into a high-stakes rock soap opera, leaving devoted listeners convinced that Starkey's era with the band had come to a permanent end.

Is Zak Starkey back in The Who?

That rocky narrative shifted dramatically during their recent secret studio rendezvous. Reports indicate that the band members put their lingering grievances on pause to test out the waters and see if their trademark energy was still intact. The music reportedly sounded great during the sessions, proving that the sonic magic between the players remains undeniable even after a messy fallout. While no official contract has been signed and no formal press release has been issued, the positive vibe during rehearsals has reportedly reignited talks of a proper reunion. Insiders suggest that having Starkey back on the throne is now a very real possibility as the band irons out logistics for their upcoming live dates.

Zak Starkey performing on stage with rock band The Who
Zak Starkey performing on stage with rock band The Who

Will The Who tour Europe again?

The timing of this surprise reconciliation is crucial. The Who have been mulling over plans for a massive farewell tour across Europe, intended to serve as a grand finale to their historic career. Bringing Starkey back into the fold would give the trek the familiar pounding rhythm that fans have grown accustomed to over the last thirty years. While classic rock history is filled with dramatic feuds and unexpected comebacks, few expected this particular split to heal so quickly. If these recent rehearsals are any indication, the legendary rockers are proving that the show must go on—and that even the bitterest fallouts can be set aside when a massive world tour is on the line.

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People also ask

Did Zak Starkey rejoin The Who?
Reports indicate Zak Starkey recently rehearsed with The Who after their bitter split, but no official announcement has confirmed his permanent return to the band.
Are The Who planning a farewell tour?
Yes, reports suggest The Who are preparing for a potential farewell tour in Europe, which may feature Zak Starkey back on drums.