Zak Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, says that he is "surprised and saddened" by the circumstances led The Who the suddenly fire him after spending almost three decades of the band.
The group announced they were parting ways with Starkey after they were rumored to be unhappy with his performance at the Royal Albert Hall last month for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity shows.
Starkey spoke to Rolling Stone about his surprise firing, "I'm very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, 'uncle Keith' has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan.
"They've been like family to me. In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.
"After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I'm surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do? I plan to take some much needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of Domino Bones by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May and finishing my autobiography written solely by me. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best."
The Offspring To Rock The Who's Final Hollywood Bowl Show
The Who Reveal Location Of Final North American Concert
Kenny Chesney In The Studio For 'Heart Life Music'
Calum Scott Duets With Whitney Houston On 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)'
Kate Bush - Best of the Other Sides
RockPile: Spotlight on New Releases by Women, Part 1
It's Kid Stuff! A Gift Guide for Children
Reggae Party: Bob Marley Edition
Live: Rise Against Rock Chicago
Tom Petty Record Store Day Limited Edition Announced
Oasis Reflect On 'Don't Look Back In Anger' For Vevo Footnotes
Super Furry Animals Unleash 'Rock 'n' Roll Flu' Visualizer
The Smashing Pumpkins Announce 30th Anniversary Reissue Of Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness
Rock The South 2026 Dates Announced For New Location
Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical Extended
Lamb Of God Share First New Single In Three Years 'Sepsis'
Watch The Devil Wears Prada's 'Eyes' Video