The Who and Zak Starkey Reunite for Rehearsal, Hint at European Tour
The Who recently rehearsed with drummer Zak Starkey, who had been fired and rehired in a public dispute last year. Roger Daltrey told a Las Vegas audience that the session sounded great, and Starkey expressed excitement about rejoining the band. The rehearsal suggests a possible European leg of the Who's farewell tour.
The reunion follows a turbulent year in which Starkey was dismissed, briefly reinstated, and then let go again after a March 2025 Teenage Cancer Trust show. Daltrey had blamed a messy rendition of “The Song Is Over” on drumming issues, though Starkey disputed that account, noting he left before any confrontation. Their recent rehearsal, described by both parties as intense and successful, reportedly included a strong vocal take on Daltrey’s solo track “Certified Rose.” The Who have not performed since October 2025, and Daltrey has framed any European dates as part of completing farewell obligations beyond America.
This development could reassure longtime fans who feared the band’s farewell would end on a sour note, potentially boosting ticket demand for a European leg. It may also soften the public perception of internal conflict, showing that creative disagreements can be resolved. However, the impact remains limited to the band’s dedicated audience and the broader classic-rock nostalgia market, with no wider societal consequences beyond entertainment news cycles.