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Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘I don't know what the f**k is happening': Zak Starkey on whether he's really been sacked by The Who
He used to 'f**king hate' and 'totally reject' the idea of the band. Instead, he knuckled down to forge a drumming career of his own, encouraged by 'uncle' Keith Moon (who bought Starkey his first drum kit when he was eight) and tutored by the Faces' Kenney Jones. It was 10 more years before he finally returned to his father's rhythmic oeuvre. 'When I was 25, I listened to The Beatles and went, 'F**king hell, these guys were amazing. I should have been listening to this years ago.' And then I got over it.' Now 59, Starkey settles into the quietest corner of a Soho bar – 'This ear isn't very good,' he says, jabbing the left – as an alumnus of Johnny Marr & The Healers, Oasis and – until his very recent, very public departure – The Who. He's also the fulcrum of his own all-star band, Mantra of the Cosmos, featuring main players Shaun Ryder, Bez (both Happy Mondays mainstays), and Andy Bell of Ride. 'To me, he was a great drummer and that was it,' Ryder says of Starkey over the phone. 'I didn't know he was a f**king amazing producer. Then when I got in the studio and he stuck a load of beats and tunes on, I f**king loved it. It's different from the Mondays, it's different from what I do in Black Grape, it's a f**king buzz.' Mantra of the Cosmos also feature plentiful high-profile guests. Recent single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) was crafted from a recording given to Ryder and Starkey by Noel Gallagher – 'He sent me this song saying, 'It's probably better for your band than mine',' Starkey recalls – then reworked into a tropical rap-punk rampage until only a fraction of Gallagher's high-flying melody remained. 'I kept half a chorus of Noel,' Starkey says, smirking. 'He thought it was great. Better than his one.' They're all like, 'It could be as big as The Beatles Meanwhile, Starkey has also previewed a snippet of another track, Rip Off, to much media frothing. It's a concoction several decades in the making: a song by The Beatles' children. The prospect of Starkey and fellow offspring Sean Lennon and James McCartney collaborating on a track has been hinted at for almost 20 years, he says, but Starkey would always reject the idea for fear of being judged on it for the rest of his life. ' They're all like, 'It could be as big as The Beatles,'' he says. ADVERTISEMENT 'I said, 'Do you want to be as big as The Beatles? Don't you want to go to Waitrose? My dad can't go to f**king Waitrose, he can't go and buy a paper or whatever. Do you actually want that? "You wan to be as good as The Beatles, but do you want that mania and people bringing babies for you to touch and cure them of cancer and shit?'.' Possibly not. Over time, though, Starkey grew close with his fellow Beatle babies. When the right Mantra of the Cosmos song came up, he sent it to Lennon, who added 'an amazing John Carpenter sort of synth and one line, which is really psychedelic and amazing', and invited McCartney to the studio to provide vocals and guitar on the heady, psych-folk track. Only Starkey could have orchestrated such a historic coming together with any real integrity. Having played with some of the world's biggest bands and formed supergroups with musicians from an array of legendary acts – the Sex Pistols, Primal Scream, Oasis, Blur, The Stone Roses, Paul Weller and more – he has become something of a backbeat hub for the rock'n'roll world, the connective tissue between scenes and eras and a respected musician in his own right. Just tell your dad to f**k off, see you later. That's what I did 'Pete [Townshend] has got a theory on that,' Starkey says. 'Obviously, Sean's dad got killed. [Pete] goes, 'Your dad was around, so you could tell him to f**k off.' That's right... If your dad doesn't die, you don't put him on a pedestal, like Jason Bonham, or Sean, Julian [Lennon]; their [dads are] on a pedestal, aren't they? You don't get any space to be yourself. Just tell your dad to f**k off, see you later. That's what I did.' Starkey has many fond memories of childhood behind The Beatles' curtain. 'Music was everywhere in our house. Jukeboxes in every room. Fantastic music on.' Marc Bolan used to babysit. 'We'd play Scalextric. He goes 'Your dad's got a studio, right?' I'd say, 'Yeah, but I'm not really allowed in.' He goes, 'Come on, let's go up there,' and he'd show me a few guitar things. He was great.' Did he learn any life lessons from his godfather, Keith Moon? 'Yeah, become an alcoholic! He never taught me how to play the drums, but he taught me how to drink and he taught me about girls and he taught me about surfing. "We never went surfing, but we talked about it and listened to The Beach Boys a lot. He'd sometimes take me to nightclubs when I was 11 or 12; he treated me like an adult.' Yet the environment was also one of a kind of secretive normality. 'We were taught to shut up, not to tell anyone anything,' Starkey says. 'My dad, to me, is this: my dad is chasing me down the garden, going, 'If I get my hands on you, I'll bloody kill you.' 'That's my dad. My dad. He changed the world, he was in The Beatles. See him on TV, get a bit misty at that. But he's my dad and that's how I remember those years. Like everyone's dad, he's a dad.' He's dismissive of the supposed advantages of nepo-babyism. 'It doesn't necessarily mean you're not any good, [and] it don't open doors. It might get you in a f**king nightclub, [although] I've never done that in my life, 'Oh, I'm Ringo's kid, let me in.' Nowadays, they'd go 'Who the f**k's Ringo?'' The average club doorman of 2025 might be more impressed, perhaps, that Starkey was in Oasis from 2004 to 2008. 'It was just f**king great fun and fantastic rock'n'roll, start to finish ... We were the greatest live band in the world, I think, at that time. It was like a f**king comet coming at you", he says. Starkey hadn't expected the Oasis reunion call-up, though. 'It was discussed with Noel, but I was in The Who.' But not for long. Having played with the band since 1996, and shortly before their final farewell US tour, Starkey was fired in April after a disagreement over his Royal Albert Hall performance, reinstated two weeks later, and then fired again. 'I don't know what the f*** is happening,' he says. 'This is The Who, man. The most unpredictable, aggressive, arrogant people, lovely people who are my family, but you never know what's going to happen, and that's why it's The Who.'
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The Who's Zak Starkey reveals he's working with Beatles legend's sons
Meanwhile, a popular singer has been strong-armed into addressing the fact she had used Ozempic ZAK STARKEY hopes to recreate some of dad Ringo Starr's magic with The Beatles – by teaming up with Paul McCartney and John Lennon's sons. In an exclusive chat about the release of cool new single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) with band Mantra of the Cosmos, Zak tells me he's worked on a new song with Sean Lennon and James McCartney. Advertisement 12 Zak Starkey hopes to recreate some of dad Ringo Starr's magic with The Beatles Credit: Getty 12 Zak, pictured, has teamed up with Paul McCartney and John Lennon's sons Credit: Getty 12 Zak recorded a song with Sean Lennon and James McCartney Credit: Refer to Caption Zak explains: 'The Beatles kids thing is something I've avoided because it's something we will be judged on for ever. 'I thought it was a daft idea. But I've got to know James well over the last decade and Sean over the last five years and we have become great friends. 'Their music is great. 'I had a track called Rip Off and as we were communicating a lot I asked them to contribute. Advertisement 'We were nervous in case there was no chemistry but there was loads and it sounded great. 'James' voice is so powerful it nearly blew me off my seat.' It was when his Mantra bandmate Shaun Ryder got involved that the magic really happened though, with Zak adding: 'Within five minutes he showed us that the only lyrical genius in the room was Shaun Ryder. 'He blew our minds and he wrote and recorded it in less than ten minutes. It's a pop song but it's overtly political dance music.' Advertisement After the track was finished, Zak contacted George Harrison's son Dhani. 'I explained that after Sean and James' contribution the musical table was full and that nothing weird or personal was going down. The Beatles movie cast finally revealed - and who they will play 'He got it and it's all cool. He's got his own great record out at the moment, too.' Mantra's new single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) is also on sale on June 29 as a limited edition 7-inch clear vinyl featuring the song's full six minutes. Advertisement The first batch sold out before their shows at Liverpool's Cavern Club, with the vinyls now changing hands for £400 on eBay. Zak adds of the upcoming album: 'There's 14 tunes and I've only finished six so far.' I look forward to hearing it. SHE inspired girlsto get active thanks to her Sporty Spice persona. Advertisement But it wasn't until Mel C had her own daughter that she understood how key role models can be. 12 Mel C and Natasha Hunt for a Volvic campaign Credit: supplied Teaming up with Volvic – and England rugby star Natasha Hunt, for a campaign to inspire the next generation of female rugby stars, Mel said: 'Now that I've got a daughter of my own, I realise how important it is to celebrate the incredible things women are doing not just in music, but in sport too. 'We've got to keep that momentum going.' Advertisement She added: 'Today, female role models in football, rugby and all sports are absolutely smashing it, they are more visible and celebrated than when I was a child. 'It's exciting to hear young girls saying, 'I want to be a rugby player,' and believing it's possible.' Bey duet is best by a country Miley THERE was a sprinkling of superstar stardust in Paris when Miley Cyrus joined Beyonce on stage at the Stade de France. She was an extra special guest during the first night of the Cowboy Carter tour in France, where they wore matching golden outfits to perform their collaboration II Most Wanted for the first time. Advertisement 12 Miley Cyrus joined Beyonce on stage at the Stade de France Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 12 Miley was an extra special guest during the first night of the Cowboy Carter tour in France Credit: Instagram Gushing about the experience on Instagram, Miley wrote: 'Beyonce, to be beside such a humble, gracious, legendary DIVA was a dream come true. Thank you for the opportunity to perform in Paris together & sing our song about friendship. 'To have learned from you & loved you my whole life, & then be standing together in matching gold looks is more than I could've imagined.' Advertisement Miley's a busy lady, as she revealed she is now heading back to California to write her first book, which may well be a memoir. On her family podcast Sorry We're Cyrus, she said of the prospect: 'I would consider writing a book, we discussed this the other day. 'I think this is something that I'm going to spend a little time working on while I'm in Malibu.' CONGRATS to model Daisy Lowe after she married Jordan Saul in London on Thursday. Advertisement The couple started dating in 2021 and welcomed daughter Ivy two years later. An insider tells me they are planning a bigger bash to celebrate with family and friends, including her mum Pearl and dad Gavin Rossdale. Jackie's top Cruz fan CRUZ BECKHAM's girlfriend Jackie Apostel is his biggest fan – just take a look at her top. The singer-songwriter wore an oversized American football shirt with his name on the back as the pair headed out together in London. Advertisement 12 Cruz Beckham's girlfriend Jackie Apostel is his biggest fan – just take a look at her top Credit: Splash 12 The singer-songwriter wore an oversized American football shirt with his name on the back as the pair headed out together in London Credit: Splash 12 My insiders tell me Cruz spends most days working on his music in a studio in the capital, with Jackie popping in when she can Credit: Splash 12 'Jackie is a bit of a muse to Cruz and he loves playing his new tracks to her,' my contact explained Credit: Splash Advertisement My insiders tell me Cruz spends most days working on his music in a studio in the capital, with Jackie popping in when she can. 'Jackie is a bit of a muse to Cruz and he loves playing his new tracks to her,' my contact explained. 'She is supportive of him and what he's working on. 'It's a very sweet romance, they're besotted with each other.' Advertisement I'd say. LEIGH-ANNE has landed one of her most unlikely gigs – a slot at Reading and Leeds rock festival. The former Little Mix singer and breakout star Skye Newman have been added to the line-up for the events, from August 21 to 24, alongside Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit and Enter Shikari. WEIGHT'S ZO NOT AN ISSUE NOTHING bores me more than talking about how much people weigh – especially when it comes to my favourite artists. Advertisement So I was sad to see that Lizzo had clearly been strong-armed into addressing the fact she had used Ozempic, after all the talk about her losing some weight. 12 Lizzo had clearly been strong-armed into addressing the fact she had used Ozempic Credit: Getty 12 Lizzo said: 'Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah?' Credit: Instagram/lizzobeeating In a new interview, the About Damn Time singer said: 'I tried everything. Advertisement 'Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah? 'So if you eat right, it makes you feel full. 'But if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it's the same thing.' She was pounced on by trolls who berated her for previously saying that her weight loss was down to a calorie deficit and doing more exercise. Advertisement It's obvious that the only reason she's addressed it now is because it's all anyone on social media can talk about. But why the hell do they care so much? Lizzo is one of the most energetic and fun singers I've watched live and when I've seen her performing, I couldn't give a flying f**k what she looks like – I'm just there to listen to her music. Let's be frank, nearly every celebrity on the planet is using a fat jab to stay slim. And I don't know anyone who would turn that option down if they had the chance. Most celebs have had Botox, fillers and the rest, and the majority of them will at some point book in for their umpteenth facelift when they will end up looking younger than their own kids – I'm looking at you Kris Jenner. Advertisement But Kris certainly doesn't care – let's face it, she's got skin that is so soft it would rival a newborn baby's arse. And neither should Lizzo. Be fat, be thin, have facial features that wouldn't even quiver in a 9.5 magnitude earthquake – you only get one life.
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey reveals reason George Harrison's son was snubbed for Beatles' sons song collaboration
ZAK STARKEY hopes to recreate some of dad Ringo Starr's magic with The Beatles – by teaming up with Paul McCartney and John Lennon's sons. In an exclusive chat about the release of cool new single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) with band Mantra of the Cosmos, Zak tells me he's worked on a new song with Sean Lennon and James McCartney. Advertisement 12 Zak Starkey hopes to recreate some of dad Ringo Starr's magic with The Beatles Credit: Getty 12 Zak, pictured, has teamed up with Paul McCartney and John Lennon's sons Credit: Getty 12 Zak recorded a song with Sean Lennon and James McCartney Credit: Refer to Caption Zak explains: 'The Beatles kids thing is something I've avoided because it's something we will be judged on for ever. 'I thought it was a daft idea. But I've got to know James well over the last decade and Sean over the last five years and we have become great friends. 'Their music is great. 'I had a track called Rip Off and as we were communicating a lot I asked them to contribute. Advertisement Read More on THE BEATLES 'We were nervous in case there was no chemistry but there was loads and it sounded great. 'James' voice is so powerful it nearly blew me off my seat.' It was when his Mantra bandmate Shaun Ryder got involved that the magic really happened though, with Zak adding: 'Within five minutes he showed us that the only lyrical genius in the room was Shaun Ryder. 'He blew our minds and he wrote and recorded it in less than ten minutes. It's a pop song but it's overtly political dance music.' Advertisement Most read in Bizarre After the track was finished, Zak contacted 'I explained that after Sean and James' contribution the musical table was full and that nothing weird or personal was going down. The Beatles movie cast finally revealed - and who they will play 'He got it and it's all cool. He's got his own great record out at the moment, too.' Mantra's new single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) is also on sale on June 29 as a limited edition 7-inch clear vinyl featuring the song's full six minutes. Advertisement The first batch sold out before their shows at Zak adds of the upcoming album: 'There's 14 tunes and I've only finished six so far.' I look forward to hearing it. SHE inspired girlsto get active thanks to her Sporty Spice persona. Advertisement But it wasn't until 12 Mel C and Natasha Hunt for a Volvic campaign Credit: supplied Teaming up with Volvic – and England rugby star Natasha Hunt, for a campaign to inspire the next generation of female rugby stars, Mel said: 'Now that I've got a daughter of my own, I realise how important it is to celebrate the incredible things women are doing not just in music, but in sport too. 'We've got to keep that momentum going.' Advertisement She added: 'Today, female role models in football, rugby and all sports are absolutely smashing it, they are more visible and celebrated than when I was a child. 'It's exciting to hear young girls saying, 'I want to be a rugby player,' and believing it's possible.' Bey duet is best by a country Miley THERE was a sprinkling of superstar stardust in Paris when Miley Cyrus joined Beyonce on stage at the Stade de France. She was an extra special guest during the first night of the Cowboy Carter tour in France, where they wore matching golden outfits to perform their collaboration II Most Wanted for the first time. Advertisement 12 Miley Cyrus joined Beyonce on stage at the Stade de France Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 12 Miley was an extra special guest during the first night of the Cowboy Carter tour in France Credit: Instagram Gushing about the experience on Instagram, Miley wrote: 'Beyonce, to be beside such a humble, gracious, legendary DIVA was a dream come true. Thank you for the opportunity to perform in Paris together & sing our song about friendship. 'To have learned from you & loved you my whole life, & then be standing together in matching gold looks is more than I could've imagined.' Advertisement Miley's a busy lady, as she revealed she is now heading back to California to write her first book, which may well be a memoir. On her family podcast Sorry We're Cyrus, she said of the prospect: 'I would consider writing a book, we discussed this the other day. 'I think this is something that I'm going to spend a little time working on while I'm in Malibu.' CONGRATS to model Advertisement The couple started dating in 2021 and welcomed daughter Ivy two years later. An insider tells me they are planning a bigger bash to celebrate with family and friends, including her mum Pearl and dad Gavin Rossdale. Jackie's top Cruz fan CRUZ BECKHAM's girlfriend The singer-songwriter wore an oversized American football shirt with his name on the back as the pair headed out together in London. Advertisement 12 Cruz Beckham's girlfriend Jackie Apostel is his biggest fan – just take a look at her top Credit: Splash 12 The singer-songwriter wore an oversized American football shirt with his name on the back as the pair headed out together in London Credit: Splash 12 My insiders tell me Cruz spends most days working on his music in a studio in the capital, with Jackie popping in when she can Credit: Splash 12 'Jackie is a bit of a muse to Cruz and he loves playing his new tracks to her,' my contact explained Credit: Splash Advertisement My insiders tell me Cruz spends most days working on his music in a studio in the capital, with Jackie popping in when she can. 'Jackie is a bit of a muse to Cruz and he loves playing his new tracks to her,' my contact explained. 'She is supportive of him and what he's working on. 'It's a very sweet romance, they're besotted with each other.' Advertisement I'd say. LEIGH-ANNE has landed one of her most unlikely gigs – a slot at Reading and Leeds rock festival. The former Little Mix singer and breakout star Skye Newman have been added to the line-up for the events, from August 21 to 24, alongside Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit and Enter Shikari. WEIGHT'S ZO NOT AN ISSUE NOTHING bores me more than talking about how much people weigh – especially when it comes to my favourite artists. Advertisement So I was sad to see that 12 Lizzo had clearly been strong-armed into addressing the fact she had used Ozempic Credit: Getty 12 Lizzo said: 'Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah?' Credit: Instagram/lizzobeeating In a new interview, the About Damn Time singer said: 'I tried everything. Advertisement 'Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah? 'So if you eat right, it makes you feel full. 'But if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it's the same thing.' She was pounced on by trolls who berated her for previously saying that her weight loss was down to a calorie deficit and doing more exercise. Advertisement It's obvious that the only reason she's addressed it now is because it's all anyone on social media can talk about. But why the hell do they care so much? Lizzo is one of the most energetic and fun singers I've watched live and when I've seen her performing, I couldn't give a flying f**k what she looks like – I'm just there to listen to her music. Let's be frank, nearly every celebrity on the planet is using a fat jab to stay slim. And I don't know anyone who would turn that option down if they had the chance. Most celebs have had Botox, fillers and the rest, and the majority of them will at some point book in for their umpteenth facelift when they will end up looking younger than their own kids – I'm looking at you Kris Jenner. Advertisement But Kris certainly doesn't care – let's face it, she's got skin that is so soft it would rival a newborn baby's arse. And neither should Lizzo. Be fat, be thin, have facial features that wouldn't even quiver in a 9.5 magnitude earthquake – you only get one life.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey: Roger Daltrey made a mistake and blamed me. A week later, I got the sack
Zak Starkey picks up a life-sized golden skull from a side table in a central London hotel and strikes a Shakespearean pose. 'Alas, poor Roger! I knew him well,' he says with a dramatic flourish. The snippet tells us plenty about the 59-year-old drummer. Firstly, that he has a scabrous, knockabout sense of humour, with a big dollop of his father Ringo Starr's trademark drollness. Secondly, that the drama around Starkey's recent sackings as the long-term drummer of The Who – that's 'sackings' plural, he was ditched twice in a month – remains at the forefront of his mind. He has plenty to say about Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend regarding the saga, which apparently might not be over yet. But more on that later. We've met to talk about something altogether more other-worldly. Starkey is the brains behind Mantra of the Cosmos, an indie rock supergroup comprising himself, Andy Bell from Oasis and Ride, and Shaun Ryder and Bez from the Happy Mondays. Mantra's new single, Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous), is a Dadaist slice of punky psychedelia featuring Oasis's Noel Gallagher singing the chorus and Ryder freestyling verses about 'dropping some potion' and things going 'up the junction' like Edward Lear by way of Timothy Leary. Produced by Starkey, it's a clattering monster of a track. 'Dylan, Dali, Ginsberg and a bit of cosmic jibber-jabber,' is how Gallagher describes Domino Bones. 'It's Free Bird for Mods,' Starkey says proudly, describing how he took a chorus that Noel sent him – 'yacht rock' – and chopped and warped it, adding in Ryder's lyrics. Ryder was meant to be joining us in London but is stuck in Manchester with Covid while Bell and Gallagher are away on Oasis rehearsal duties ahead of next month's reunion tour. But speaking over Zoom from a bedroom at home, a semi-crocked Ryder – who says he keeps falling asleep like 'Dylan the f-----g rabbit in The Magic Roundabout' – describes Mantra's sound as a 'mish-mash of nuttiness'. 'I like doing Mantra with Zak because it's different than the Mondays and different than [his other group] Black Grape. Zak's a f-----g brilliant producer,' says Ryder, who, despite feeling rough, still managed to get 'completely f-----g mashed up' at an 'amazing' Morrissey gig in Manchester last weekend. Starkey met Ryder after an anniversary recording of TFI Friday in 2015 in which Starkey, Liam Gallagher, Daltrey and others played The Who's My Generation (as well as being in The Who, Starkey was the Oasis drummer between 2004 and 2008). Years later, Starkey was asked by a record industry bigwig to form a 'Britpop supergroup' with luminaries like former Smith Johnny Marr or New Order's Bernard Sumner. But he bridled at the term 'supergroup'. 'No way. What, all that Cream s---? Everyone having a solo, one after the other?' says Starkey. 'Zak didn't want to play that game so he got me and Bez,' Ryder roars, joking that the only more unlikely recruits to the band would have been Donald Trump and 'that baby t--- who wears eyeliner'. Elon Musk? 'No. The other one, with the beard.' J. D. Vance? 'That's it!' Mantra have an album's worth of songs. A future single, Rip Off, will feature fellow Fab Four offspring Sean Lennon and James McCartney. It's like The Beatles, I say. 'No it's not,' Starkey says, snippily. 'It's like Mantra of the Cosmos with them in it. It's Sean of the Cosmos and James of the Cosmos, it's still my band.' You just need [George Harrison's son] Dhani on it, I add. 'No I don't. Why do I?' Well, because… never mind. Talking of The Beatles, Starr 'loves' Mantra, Starkey says. 'He wants me to remix all his early singles like Mantra,' he explains. His plan for his dad's 1973 song Photograph is to slow it down and add a 'gospel kind of vibe'. Noel Gallagher has agreed to appear on a couple of tracks. Despite being the son of a Beatle, Starkey insists he's not wealthy. As well as his drumming projects he has built a recording studio in Jamaica and co-launched the reggae label Trojan Jamaica, neither of which come cheaply. 'And now I haven't got a job,' he says wryly. The other Beatles progeny might have 'loads of money because their dads are dead. James's mum [Linda] is dead. Left him a lot of money. [But] my mum [Maureen Starkey, Starr's first wife] died skint [in 1994] with a whole desk-full of brown envelopes that she never opened because she spent all her money on her friends.' Aah, yes. The job. The Who saga runs something like this. In mid-April, two weeks after The Who played two Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, the band said they'd made a 'collective decision to part ways with Zak' after 30 years due to apparent issues with his drumming at those shows. Starkey said he was 'surprised and saddened' by the decision. But days later, he was back in the fold after the resolution of what Townshend, 80, called 'some communication issues'. 'Zak made a few mistakes [at the Albert Hall] and he has apologised,' the band said. Yet on May 19, he was fired again, for the second time in a month. He remains perplexed and saddened by it, not least because he says he turned down the megawatt Oasis tour because he was in The Who. Which he now isn't. So were he not in The Who, he would have played with Oasis? 'Of course. Of course.' What happened, precisely? 'What happened was I got it right and Roger got it wrong,' Starkey claims. He's talking about The Who's performance of 1971 track The Song is Over at the second Albert Hall show. The band don't usually play it live and Starkey suggested they performed it as a 'treat' for fans. But, he says, a combination of under-rehearsal ('they hate rehearsing') and the fact that Daltrey, 81, 'took a bit out' of the song because it was too long meant that, on the second night, 'Roger [came] in a bar early'. The Who's performance of 'The Song Is Over' in March that Starkey says led to his sackingThere were no backstage fireworks. Such is the way with live music. The Who are an incendiary live act; Starkey says something 'disintegrates' every third gig and the band just start again. But, seven days later, 'I got a call from Bill [Curbishley], the manager, [and] he says, 'It's my unfortunate duty to inform you' – it's like Porridge or something – 'that you won't be needed from now on. Roger says you dropped some beats.'' It was clear that Daltrey thought that Starkey was in the wrong. 'I watched the show and I can't find any dropped beats. Then Pete had to go along with it because Pete's had 60 years of arguing with Roger,' says the drummer. Following the sacking, Townshend phoned Starkey to ask if he was prepared to fight to get his place back. Starkey said no. But a week later when Townshend called again, he had changed his mind. 'I said, 'I want my gig back.'' He returned, having been forced to admit – he says – that he dropped two beats. But the reunion was short-lived. 'Two weeks later it was like, 'Roger says he can't work with you no more, and we'd like you to issue another statement saying you're leaving to do your other projects' and I just didn't do it because I wasn't leaving [of my own volition].' Why did Daltrey feel he couldn't work with you again? 'They didn't specify.' He says Daltrey later told him that 'you're not fired, you're retired because you've got so many other projects', one of which is Mantra. Despite the situation, Starkey regrets the way that some fans sided with him and piled into Daltrey and Townshend. He calls The Who his 'family', which is entirely understandable given he's been with them since 1996. And he says he harbours no ill-will towards anyone. 'I don't blame anyone. I blame The Who because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f-----g insane,' he says. And that's why he loves them. He'd go back in a heartbeat. So what happens now? Starkey has the Mantra album to finish although that band can't tour because Oasis, the Happy Mondays and Black Grape are all touring this year. You get the impression that, Mantra aside, he's rather twiddling his thumbs. Sad, when he could be touring with either The Who or Oasis, two of the world's mightiest bands. It's as though he's been barged into the still epicentre of a swirling musical hurricane. It's a waste. At one point, Starkey even claims he's fallen out of love with drumming and prefers the guitar these days. He was taught, aged seven, by Marc Bolan. 'Have you seen what a guitar looks like? It's like a woman. A drum looks like a pot of biscuits. You can't play the drums and watch telly,' he says. But I don't believe him. Because later he says he's written to Bob Dylan to see if he needs a drummer 'because he's the only person that's anywhere near Pete lyrically'. Has he heard back? 'Course not, it's Bob Dylan innit?' Tantalisingly, things with The Who may not be over yet. 'I spoke to Roger last week and he said, 'Don't take your drums out of [The Who's] warehouse yet in case we need you.'' Starkey leans forward. 'I said, 'Best let me know.'' Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) is out now on Mantra of the Cosmos records Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. 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Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Oasis' drummer Zak Starkey reveals biggest ‘punch up' he saw between Noel & Liam and if he'll return to The Who
Zak shares what his dad, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, made of his recent dismissal THE STARKEY TRUTH Ex-Oasis' drummer Zak Starkey reveals biggest 'punch up' he saw between Noel & Liam and if he'll return to The Who FIGHTS between Noel and Liam Gallagher in Oasis have become music legend. But their former drummer Zak Starkey insists he never saw the brothers scrapping. Advertisement 8 Zak Starkey with The Sun's Ellie Henman Credit: Supplied 8 Zak playing with Oasis in 2005 Credit: Getty I'm sitting with him in London's Soho Sanctum Hotel as he promotes his supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos' new single, Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous). 'There was a punch-up when I left,' Zak tells me in a whisper. 'They were throwing furniture and everything. 'But when I was there, all we did was laugh and play amazing music. 'I learned so much from how hard working they were. Advertisement READ MORE ON ZAK STARKEY blimey o'riley Watch furious Roger Daltrey kick off at sacked The Who drummer live on stage 'If it says 5.30pm, they are there at 5.10pm. Their work ethic is incredible. It was sleeves up for 12 hours a day.' Zak, who drummed for the band for four years until 2008, reveals there was one major turning point for Oasis, though. He recalls: 'When Kasabian came on tour with Oasis, we played Benicassim festival in Spain. 'We'd had three weeks off and were at home watching fng TV. We were on at 2am. Advertisement 'Kasabian were on at midnight. Noel went, 'I'm not going on at 2am, switch it'. 'Wishing I was there' 'So we went on at 12 and because we'd had three weeks off, it was a bit sloppy. 'Them guys kicked the fing st out of us. They did a 20-minute drum solo. It was like Black Sabbath. EXCL Watch the moment furious Roger Daltrey kicks off at The Who's drummer Zak Starkey live on stage - weeks before officially sacking him 'They destroyed us. But it was the greatest thing that ever happened to Oasis, because we had to pick it up pretty fing quick.' Zak adds with a laugh: 'In the middle, Tom Meighan went, 'This one's for Noel and Liam, you fers'. Advertisement 'Liam went to me, 'Did he actually say that?'. I love that attitude. Everyone needs a reality check at times. And they gave us one.' So, I ask, what kind of telly left Oasis in such a sloppy hole? 'Liam used to say, 'You have the big three — Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale',' Zak adds, rolling his eyes as he mainlines his umpteenth black coffee. 'It's like heroin. It starts with Richard and Judy and ends at 9pm. We might as well put a fing spike in you.' Zak won't be part of the Oasis reunion, saying he texted them asking why he hadn't made the cut and was 'gutted' to learn they had Joey Warnoker in on the sticks instead. 'I don't know anything about Joey, apart from he's not a mod,' Zak says with a laugh. Advertisement 'I think they will get through it without falling out. I will be wishing I was up there. 'I couldn't watch The Who because I know they'd be doing it all wrong.' He is the greatest rock 'n' roll drummer in the world. He's better now than he was then Zak Starkey Talking of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, they parted company with Zak twice last month after accusing him of dropping 'two bars' during a gig at the Royal Albert Hall. Zak says he may be back in the fold again as the band prepare for a major tour in the US. He adds with a wry smile: 'I spoke to Roger last week and he said, 'Don't take the drums out of the warehouse yet, in case we need you'. There's no grudge, it's fing music. In the beginning, they were the maddest band. 'Pete is incredibly intimidating. He called me a ct and gobbed on my drum riser. That was very early on.' Advertisement Asked what his dad, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, made of his dismissal, Zak adds: 'I spoke to my dad about it and he watched it and stuck up for me. But he's my dad, isn't he? 'He wasn't happy. He saw the show on TV and was a bit like, 'What the f?'. 'He didn't think anything was a sackable offence. Apart from the ticket price.' As the son of a Beatle, I ask what guidance Ringo gave him over the years. 'My dad never opened the doors for me,' Zak says. 'Mad pop single' 'He'd watch me and say the most cutting fing st. Advertisement He loved Oasis gigs. I spoke to him after one and he told me, 'It's been a long time since I've seen teenagers throwing beer over each other'. 'I know he loves it, but that's what you're going to get from him. "But I'd say to him, 'Why does the Abbey Road remix sound like Supertramp?'. 'He was like, 'The drum sounds good'. I said, 'It's not about the drums, Dad. I learned that when I was 19'. 'But he is the greatest rock 'n' roll drummer in the world. He's better now than he was then.' With Oasis off limits and The Who dates still up in the air, Zak is busying himself with finishing the 14 tracks Mantra have created — with Happy Mondays' Shaun Ryder and Bez and Oasis bass player Andy Bell. Advertisement For Domino Bones (Get Dangerous), Noel got on board, too. Zak explains: 'It was a track Noel did with Shaun a few years ago, but it didn't really fit with High Flying Birds. 'It's a mad pop single and I'm hoping to have a demographic of four to 60.' Looking back at his career, I ask Zak if he ever takes a moment to pinch himself. 'All of my dreams have come true,' he says. 'Who's on the phone? Oh, it's Oasis. Oh, Johnny Marr, the greatest British guitarist, is on the phone.' With a glint in his eye, Zak adds: 'Look, when I was 12 and I was playing in clubs, I didn't realise I was going to turn out like f*ing David Beckham. Advertisement 'What can I say?' I think that sums it up perfectly. EX-OASIS DRUMMER ON... THE GALLAGHERS 8 Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher Credit: Getty There was a punch-up when I left, they were throwing funiture and everything. But their work ethic is incredible, it's sleeves up 12 hours a day Advertisement THE WHO 8 The Who's Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend There's no grudge, it's f***ing music. In the beginning they were the maddest band. Pete is incredibly intimidating - he gobbed on my drum riser. DAD RINGO 8 Zak with Beatles drummer dad Ringo Starr Credit: Getty He never opened any doors for me - he'd watch me and say the most cutting f*ing st. But he is the greatest rock 'n roll drummer in the world - better now than he was then. Advertisement 8 Former Oasis drummer Zak Starkey Credit: Supplied GEORGINA LACES IT 8 Model Georgina Rodriguez stuns in a black laced-up dress Credit: The Mega Agency GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ knew how to thrill when she wore this black laced-up dress to a party for Netflix in Madrid. The model, who is the partner of Cristiano Ronaldo, looked amazing, despite revealing her reality show I Am Georgina won't be returning for a fourth series. Advertisement She said: 'It has been a lot of work and requires so much effort. 'I think that it has given me the opportunity to show the real me to the world. However, at the moment, I do not plan to continue with the reality show.' LOST TRACK BEHIND ROB & GARY RIFT 8 Take That back in the early Nineties Credit: Getty TAKE THAT's long-lost single was the root of the rivalry between Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, its writer and producer Ian Levine says. Advertisement I told last month that an unreleased track called Falling For You Girl, recorded by all five members, above, had been unearthed and the team behind it were hoping to get it out. Now Ian has said Robbie was given the lead vocals on the song, which caused a row with bandmate Gary. Recalling their sessions in 1992, he said: 'The reason Gary hated me is because Robbie was mucking around in the studio when we were doing I Found Heaven. 'I said, 'Robbie, you've got a really nice voice, you sound like one of the Bee Gees', and he said, 'Don't be silly, I'm a backing singer'. Advertisement 'I said, 'No, I want to make you a lead singer'. 'But Gary didn't like it and he went crying to manager Nigel Martin-Smith going, 'I'm the lead singer! I don't want to be stuck with one of the others'. 'I insisted, and Falling For You Girl is almost all Robbie.' Now Ian, who also worked on A Million Love Songs and Could It Be Magic, hopes the song will finally see the light of day. Advertisement He added: 'The only way it'll get released is if the fans encourage the boys to put it out. It's fantastic.' SABRINA CARPENTER will drop a new album called Man's Best Friend on August 29. She announced the record last night and it comes just ten months after her smash Short n' Sweet, which returned to No1 for a fifth time last month. The album will feature her new single Manchild, which is on course to go to No1 this Friday, and comes ahead of two shows at BST Hyde Park in London on July 5 and 6. Advertisement AFTER celeb haunt Chiltern Firehouse burned down last year, a new restaurant has popped up that's proving very popular with A-listers. Just in time for summer, Town on Drury Lane, in Covent Garden, central London, has become the go-to place. It's thanks to the menu from acclaimed British chef Stevie Parle, along with fancy cocktails. I'm told Gary Lineker is even a fan.
