The Who’s Roger Daltrey Accuses Zak Starkey of “Character Assassination” in Explosive Feud

In an unexpected turn of events, Roger Daltrey, the legendary frontman of The Who, has launched a public attack on the band’s drummer, Zak Starkey, accusing him of “character assassination” and airing grievances that have remained largely behind closed doors for years. The tension between the two musicians, once seen as a tight-knit family in the world of rock and roll, has boiled over into a public dispute that has left fans and industry insiders stunned.

The feud, which first came to light after a series of interviews and public statements, revolves around what Daltrey describes as Starkey’s “unprofessional behavior” and comments that he believes have done serious damage to his reputation. Starkey, the son of Ringo Starr, has been The Who’s drummer for decades, stepping into the role after the passing of the band’s original drummer, Keith Moon. However, despite his long-standing involvement with the band, tensions have reportedly been simmering between Starkey and Daltrey for some time, with the relationship reaching a breaking point in recent weeks.

In a fiery statement to the press, Daltrey did not mince words. He described Starkey’s behavior as “outrageous” and expressed frustration over what he sees as personal attacks aimed at him. “There’s been a lot of negativity from Zak recently,” Daltrey said, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. “I’ve put up with it for a long time, but now it’s reached the point where it’s no longer just about me—it’s about the reputation of The Who. What he’s doing is pure character assassination, and it’s got to stop.”

The accusations stem from a series of interviews Starkey has given in which he reportedly made disparaging comments about the band’s internal dynamics, particularly regarding Daltrey’s leadership. Starkey is said to have voiced frustrations about the direction of the band and how decisions were being made, claiming that Daltrey’s controlling nature was stifling the group’s creativity and unity. These remarks were made in various media outlets, leading to heightened tensions and ultimately Daltrey’s explosive response.

While Starkey has yet to directly respond to Daltrey’s accusations, sources close to the drummer have indicated that he feels misunderstood and believes his comments were taken out of context. “Zak is not one to publicly criticize people unless he feels deeply about an issue,” said a friend of Starkey. “He’s always been committed to the music and to The Who, but there are things that have been eating away at him for a while, and he’s been trying to address them in a constructive way.”

However, Daltrey’s response suggests that he sees Starkey’s comments as a betrayal. As one of the founding members of The Who, Daltrey has always been the band’s primary spokesperson, and his leadership role in the group is well-established. For Daltrey, Starkey’s public criticisms feel like a personal attack, undermining the years of collaboration and camaraderie that the band had previously shared.

The conflict between Daltrey and Starkey is particularly poignant given the history between them. Starkey, who joined The Who in the 1990s after Moon’s tragic death, has been a part of the band for over 30 years. His relationship with Daltrey has, at times, been one of mutual respect, with Daltrey praising Starkey’s drumming skills and dedication to the band. Starkey has often spoken highly of Daltrey’s influence on his career and the respect he has for the band’s legacy.

However, in recent years, cracks have started to form in that relationship. The pressures of maintaining The Who’s legacy, coupled with the challenges of growing older and dealing with the constant scrutiny of the public eye, have caused tensions to rise. Both musicians have become increasingly outspoken in their views on the direction of the band and their roles within it.

Daltrey’s frustration with Starkey appears to have been building for some time. In recent interviews, Daltrey has spoken candidly about the struggles of being in a band with such a long and complicated history. “It’s not easy, you know?” Daltrey said. “We’re not the young men we used to be. The Who was never a band that took things lightly. But I’ve always tried to put the music first. That’s the most important thing. And when I see things happening that threaten that, I’m not going to stay quiet.”

For his part, Starkey has made it clear that his frustrations with the band are not personal but stem from his desire to see The Who continue to grow and evolve as a group. In interviews, he’s talked about wanting more creative control and the freedom to experiment with new sounds. But his calls for change seem to have been met with resistance from Daltrey, who has been firm in his belief that The Who should remain true to its roots.

The fallout from this feud has left fans divided. Some have expressed support for Daltrey, praising him for his leadership and long-standing dedication to The Who. Others have sided with Starkey, arguing that his desire for more creative freedom is legitimate and that the band’s direction needs to change if they are to remain relevant in today’s music scene. “Zak has been part of The Who for so long. He deserves to have a voice,” said one fan. “The Who can’t just keep doing the same thing forever. They need to evolve.”

As the feud continues to unfold, it’s unclear what the future holds for The Who. Will Daltrey and Starkey be able to reconcile, or has the rift between them become irreparable? Both men are seasoned professionals, and their history with the band speaks for itself, but it’s evident that their differences have now reached a boiling point. What started as a disagreement about creative direction has now escalated into a public war of words, and it remains to be seen how—or if—this conflict will be resolved.

For now, fans of The Who are left watching the drama unfold, hoping that the two iconic musicians can find a way to mend their relationship and continue making music together. After all, The Who’s legacy has always been about more than just individual personalities; it’s been about the music and the energy they create when they come together. Whether they can overcome their differences and keep that spirit alive remains to be seen.