October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Admit one · Blog

Is Zak Starkey Still in The Who? A Rehearsal Doesn’t Confirm His Return

Zak Starkey played drums at a reported Who rehearsal, but that does not confirm he has rejoined. The band’s official roster lists Scott Devours for the 2025 North American Farewell Tour.
Opened Runtime3 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Not officially, based on the latest reports. Zak Starkey played drums at a reported rehearsal with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, and Daltrey said they were testing whether The Who might play shows the following year. Starkey said he looked forward to playing with the band again. But no permanent reappointment or future dates have been confirmed in those reports. The band’s official touring page lists Scott Devours for the 2025 North American Farewell Tour; that dated listing does not settle who would play any later shows.

What is Zak Starkey’s status with The Who?

The clearest description is that Starkey’s return is being considered, not confirmed. In a report published 4 September 2026, MusicRadar quoted Roger Daltrey saying, “We did a rehearsal recently, and Zak was the drummer.” Daltrey added that the rehearsal was to see whether the band could possibly play shows the following year. The report did not say Starkey had passed an audition, announce a permanent appointment, or confirm concerts.

Louder reported on 29 August 2026 that Starkey described the rehearsal as great and posted, “Nice one Rog. Looking forward to tearing it up with The Who again.” That expresses enthusiasm about playing with the band; it is not an official announcement that he has rejoined.

Who is The Who’s drummer now?

The answer depends on which period the question refers to. The band’s official touring-band page lists Scott Devours as drummer and describes his appointment for the 2025 North American Farewell Tour. It establishes the officially published roster for that tour, not the drummer for any later, unannounced shows.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
EASTROCK Drum Throne,Padded Drum Seat Drumming Stools with Anti-Slip Feet for Adults and Kids Drummers (Dark Black)
  • High-Quality Materials: The EASTROCK drum throne uses 7 cm high-density sponge and 30 cm diameter stool surface, which will not deform after long-term use, and is durable and reliable
  • Adjustable Height: This drum stool can be adjusted height from 16.5 inches to 21.3 inches, and the suitable height can be adjusted by easily adjusting the 5 adjustment holes of the stool legs. To ensure that you are in a comfortable position when playing, the EASTROCK drum chair can be used with different instruments and is also suitable for all kinds of family time
  • Anti-slip Design: The EASTROCK drum seat adopts double-supported legs and has 3 large supporting rubber feet for strong grip. Make sure that the drummer does not shake when hitting. The legs of the drum stool adopt a folding design, which is easy to carry and is very suitable for adults and kids. Easy to install
  • Super Strong Bearing Pressure: The bottom of the EASTROCK drummer seat has two pieces cross supports, and there are 4 screws fixed structure, it seems that this stool has enough support. This stool can carry about 180 lbs
  • Wide Applications: EASTROCK drum throne can be matched with different music occasions, especially drummer performance or practice, also it suitable for keyboard players, even guitarists
Evidence What it establishes What it does not establish
Official Who touring-band page Scott Devours is listed for the 2025 North American Farewell Tour. Who would play any future shows after that tour.
Reported rehearsal in 2026 Daltrey said Starkey was the drummer at a rehearsal held to assess whether shows might be possible the following year. A permanent reappointment, a successful audition, or confirmed dates.
Starkey’s reported Threads post Starkey said he looked forward to playing with The Who again. A formal band announcement or confirmed return.

How did Starkey leave and then return to the conversation?

April 2025: Townshend said Starkey had agreed to adjust his style

On 19 April 2025, Pete Townshend published an official statement saying he and Daltrey wanted Starkey to adapt his evolved drumming style for the band’s non-orchestral lineup, and that Starkey had agreed. Townshend also took responsibility for confusion around the episode. He described a difficult Royal Albert Hall performance context, saying he was recovering from knee-replacement surgery, sound checks may have been insufficient, and the sound at the centre of the stage was difficult. He wrote, “Zak made a few mistakes and he has apologised.”

May 2025: Devours was announced as Starkey’s replacement

On 18 May 2025, Townshend and Daltrey issued a joint statement saying The Who were “heading for retirement,” that Starkey had other projects, and that Scott Devours would replace him. This was the clearest official announcement of the drummer change for the farewell-tour period.

Rank #2
Sale
Donner Heavy Duty Drum Throne, Motorcycle Style Drum Stool, Widened Drum Seat with Upgraded Materials, Height Adjustable Padded Drum Chair, Double Braced
  • [Widened Seat] Designed widened seat which is perfect for people of different weight. Maximum bearing weight: 250 lbs. Expanded size: 17.32 inch * 14.96 inch * 3.94 inch
  • [High-Quality Pad] The seat cover is crafted from soft, high-quality artificial leather, while the padding combines premium steel and foam for ultimate comfort and resilience. Experience a luxurious feel that supports you during long drumming sessions
  • [Anti-Slip Rubber Feet] By adopting thick rubber feet, the drum throne offers solid support when you are sitting on it
  • [Double-Braced Leg Base] The drum throne features a double-braced leg base for exceptional stability and durability. It maintains its shape and integrity even under heavy weight, ensuring reliable support for all your drumming sessions
  • [Adjustable & Stable Lock] The drum throne features a thickened lock for easy and quick height adjustments, effectively preventing the stool from sliding down

2026: a rehearsal reopened the possibility of playing together

Later reporting described Starkey rehearsing with Townshend and Daltrey. In a 28 May 2026 interview with Rolling Stone Canada, Daltrey discussed the band’s future and switching drummers. MusicRadar’s 4 September report supplied the specific rehearsal details and Daltrey’s explanation that it was to assess whether shows might be possible the following year. Those reports support saying that a rehearsal happened and a return is under consideration; they do not establish a final lineup decision.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Will The Who tour again with Zak Starkey?

That remains uncertain. Daltrey’s wording was conditional: the rehearsal was to see whether The Who could “possibly do shows next year.” The reported comments point to a possibility, not a tour announcement. The cited reports do not confirm dates, a tour, or which drummer would play if shows take place.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Donner Drum Throne Set, Padded Seat Height Adjustable Drum Stool for Adults, 5A Drumsticks Included, Multiple Iterations, Drummer Gifts for Men Him Teens
  • [High-density sponges] Donner's research and development team has continuously improved the high-density sponge, providing ultimate comfort and preventing the drum stool from deforming after prolonged use
  • [Height Adjustable] You can adjust the height by adjusting the 4 positions bolt lock or the knob at the bottom to ensure a comfortable height for playing your instrument
  • [Non-skid design] The drum stool features three rubber non-skid sleeves to prevent the Donner drum throne from shifting while you play. The high-quality aluminum alloy bracket with a triangular design ensures stability
  • [Wide application] The Donner drum throne can be used with a variety of different instruments, which is the best partner for the instrument, but also suitable for a variety of home moments
  • [Double Braced Leg Base] The drum throne is stable and enduring with double braced leg base, and it is also distortion-free. Perfect birthday gifts for drummers

For now, distinguish the two claims: Devours is the drummer named on the official page for the 2025 North American Farewell Tour; Starkey is the drummer Daltrey said played at a later rehearsal as the band considered whether more shows might be feasible.

Best Value
Gibraltar Drum Throne with Adjustable Height Motorcycle-Style Seat, Double-Braced Legs, Sturdy Drum Stool for Drummers, Comfortable Cushion for Practice or Performance (6608)
  • MOTORCYCLE-STYLE VINYL TOP: The ergonomic, motorcycle-style seat with thigh cutouts offers enhanced comfort and freedom of movement, allowing you to sit naturally and stay agile during those intense drumming sessions.
  • TOP-GRADE FOAM FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT: Packed with premium foam cushioning, this seat delivers unmatched support, ensuring you can play comfortably for hours without feeling fatigued. Perfect for practice or performances.
  • SECURE AND ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT CONTROL: Equipped with a sturdy cast height adjust collar with nylon bushing, along with a knurled adjustable support stem, this throne ensures your preferred height is locked in securely, thanks to the built-in memory lock feature.
  • DOUBLE-BRACED COLLAPSIBLE TRIPOD BASE: Built for maximum stability with its double-braced legs, the tripod base ensures solid support, while the collapsible design makes it easy to transport and set up, ideal for drummers on the go.
  • OPTIMAL SIZE AND HEIGHT RANGE FOR ALL DRUMMERS: With a seat size of 15-1/2"W x 13-1/4"D x 3-1/4"H, and an adjustable height range from 18" to 24", this throne caters to drummers of all sizes, ensuring the perfect setup for every playing style.
Rank #4
GrowDaily Drum Throne Seat,Adjustable Stool Drum Universal Thick Padded Drum Throne Drummer Stool with 2Pacs 5A Drumsticks
  • Drum throne with thickened high-quality sponge cushion; Wrapped in soft, high-quality faux leather, breathable, and will not deform over time; Perfect for long-term use
  • Drum stool adjustable height: The drum throne seat can be adjusted between 16.93 inches - 23.62 inches with 4-position bolt locks or bottom knobs to ensure a comfortable height for playing your instrument
  • The drum stool base is designed with a sturdy double support non-slip tripod with 3 non-slip sleeves; The triangular design of the high-quality aluminum bracket makes it very stable and will not deform when carrying heavy loads
  • The double support legs give the drum base excellent stability and durability; it can be folded up for easy transportation to the next gig
  • Drum throne can be used with many different instruments, the best partner for musical instruments, but also suitable for a variety of home moments

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

  1. Does NEON Have a New Horror Movie It Won’t Show Us? What’s VerifiedAdmit one · BlogDoes NEON Have a New Horror Movie It Won't Show Us? What's VerifiedOpened09 OCT 2026Runtime1 min
  2. What the Official NCIS: Origins Trailer Reveals About Young GibbsAdmit one · BlogWhat the Official NCIS: Origins Trailer Reveals About Young GibbsOpened09 OCT 2026Runtime2 min
  3. What Makes a Translation Great? Ten Literary Translators Weigh InAdmit one · BlogWhat Makes a Translation Great? Ten Literary Translators Weigh InOpened09 OCT 2026Runtime3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.