Roger Daltrey Says The Who Rehearsed With Zak Starkey for Possible Shows

Roger Daltrey has confirmed that Zak Starkey rejoined The Who for a recent rehearsal, suggesting the band is testing whether it can return to the stage with him next year.

Speaking on LifeMinute with Joann Butler, Daltrey placed the decision in the context of The Who’s specific rhythmic demands. He said the group lost something when Keith Moon died in 1978, and that Kenny Jones, though a strong drummer, “just does not work with The Who.” Starkey, he added, is not Moon but “has come very close.”

Starkey first joined The Who in 1996 and remained for nearly three decades before a messy exit last year. After the Teenage Cancer Trust show at the Albert Hall in March, he was dismissed, reinstated, and then dismissed again, with both sides trading public statements. Scott Devours later filled the role.

Daltrey said the recent rehearsal was meant to determine whether live work is still possible. “We love Zak, but sometimes the road doesn’t like Zak,” he said. “Sometimes it gets on top of him, and it becomes difficult.” He added that the band’s music requires “an incredible amount of drive.”

Daltrey did not say whether the rehearsal resolved questions about his voice or Starkey’s place in the band.