Zak Starkey Claims Fired by Who After Turning Down Oasis Reunion

Zak Starkey, longtime drummer for The Who and former Oasis touring drummer, has been embroiled in a confusing and public firing and rehiring saga with The Who, ultimately ending his tenure with the band. Starkey revealed he turned down the opportunity to join Oasis' highly anticipated 2025 reunion tour because he believed he would be touring with The Who, a decision he regrets given his subsequent dismissal from The Who. He expressed deep disappointment and said he would have played with Oasis "for nothing" had he known he was no longer with The Who, and admitted he would be emotional if he attends the reunion tour to see his replacement perform. Starkey also clarified that The Who told him to say he retired due to other projects, but he insists he was actually fired. Additionally, Starkey is involved in a new supergroup, Mantra of the Cosmos, which features Oasis members and has released a new track, highlighting his ongoing musical collaborations despite the fallout with The Who and Oasis. Despite the personal and professional turmoil, Starkey maintains friendships with The Who members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend and continues to be connected to the music scene.