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Zak Starkey returns to The Who for potential farewell tour
Drummer Zak Starkey is set to return to The Who following a period of professional instability. After being dismissed from the group in 2025 following a series of disputes, Starkey has rejoined Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend for rehearsals.
Roger Daltrey confirmed the news during a solo performance in Las Vegas, noting that a recent rehearsal with Starkey “sounded great.” Starkey corroborated this on social media, expressing excitement about playing with the band again and describing the rehearsal session as intense and high-energy.
The reunion comes as the band considers expanding their farewell tour to include European dates, following the conclusion of their North American leg in October 2025. While Starkey’s permanent status as a full member has not been officially finalized, representatives for both the musician and the band have indicated his return to help conclude the tour.
Entities
Pete Townshend · Roger Daltrey · The Who · Variety · Zak Starkey
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The band is considering continuing their farewell tour in Europe. www.radiobeat.cz · music.mxdwn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Who and Zak Starkey’s representatives confirmed to Variety that Starkey is set to return. music.mxdwn.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Zak Starkey had been the band’s drummer for approximately 30 years starting in 1996. www.radiobeat.cz · www.la-galerie-du-spectacle.fr · music.mxdwn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The band’s North American leg of the farewell tour was scheduled to conclude in October 2025. www.radiobeat.cz · music.mxdwn.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Zak Starkey confirmed via Instagram that he is happy to be playing music with the band again. www.la-galerie-du-spectacle.fr · music.mxdwn.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Roger Daltrey stated that a recent rehearsal with Zak Starkey sounded great. www.radiobeat.cz · www.la-galerie-du-spectacle.fr · music.mxdwn.com