Latest news with #RipOff
Irish Independent
a day ago
- 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.'
CNA
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Three of The Beatles' sons are teaming up for the first time to release a new song together
Ringo Starr's son, Zak Starkey, was nervous about a Beatles' kids collaboration. Starkey has teamed up with John Lennon's son, Sean Lennon, and James McCartney, whose father is Sir Paul McCartney, on the new song Rip Off. However, the English drummer admitted it was something he had avoided for years because he was worried about being 'judged'. Starkey told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: 'The Beatles kids thing is something I've avoided because it's something we will be judged on forever. '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. '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.' While children of three of the four Beatles stars are represented on the track, Starkey insisted George Harrison's son Dhani Harrison did not mind being left out. He shared: 'I explained that after Sean's and James' contribution, the musical table was full and that nothing weird or personal was going down. 'He got it, and it's all cool. He's got his own great record out at the moment, too.'
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.
Perth Now
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Three members of the Beatles' sons feature on new Mantra Of Cosmos tune Rip Off
Three Beatles members' sons feature on a new song. Sir Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey, Sir Paul McCartney's son James McCartney and the late John Lennon's son Sean Ono Lennon have come together on the Mantra Of The Cosmos song Rip Off. It's not the first collaboration between offspring of the legendary Liverpool band, with Sean and James having teamed up in 2024 on the track Primrose Hill. Zak has insisted his supergroup - which also includes Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez and former Oasis bassist Andy Bell - do not sound anything like the Fab Four. He recently told The Telegraph: "No it's not. "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." Zak previously shot down suggestioning he and Sean were forming a band together on social media after a picture of the pair set off the rumour mill. He wrote: 'If we had spent 3 years sleeping on flea infested mattresses in the back room of a Hamburg club it might have chemistry. 'But we have been swaddled in silken robes in houses so big that it's too far to go and make a piece of toast – seen?' The latest tune comes after the group released 'Domino Bones (Get Dangerous)' featuring Noel Gallagher. Zak also insisted in his interview with The Telegraph that he isn't as wealthy as the other children of the Beatles. The 59-year-old drummer is the eldest of Ringo's three children with late hairdresser Maureen Cox and he's adamant he doesn't have the same kind of wealth as the other Beatles offspring, because they inherited money from their parents while Zak's mum died penniless in 1994. He told the newspaper: "[The others have] loads of money because their dads are dead. James' mum [Linda McCartney] is dead. Left him a lot of money. "[But] my mum died skint with a whole desk-full of brown envelopes that she never opened because she spent all her money on her friends." Zak - who recently lost his gig drumming with The Who - added of his financial woes: "And now I haven't got a job." The sticksman was let go by the band earlier this year before being welcomed back and then dismissed once again, and Zak's departure was put down to disagreements over his performance at a gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London in April but he's convinced it was the product of tensions that have plagued the band for years. Zak claims The Who's Pete Townshend went along with the decision to part ways with the drummer for a second time because he didn't want to disagree with frontman Sir Roger Daltrey. He told the publication: "What happened was I got it right and Roger [Daltrey] got it 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 ... "I don't blame anyone. I blame The Who because they're unpredictable, aggressive and f****** insane." He went on to reveal he's written to music legend Bob Dylan to ask if he needs a drummer, but hasn't heard back from him. However, Zak's drumming days with The Who might not be over for good. He added: "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'. I said: 'Best let me know.'"
