Zak Starkey “Gutted” Over Missing Out on Oasis Reunion Tour

Zak Starkey expresses disappointment about not joining the Oasis reunion tour, despite his long history with the band as their drummer.

Zak Starkey’s Emotional Reaction to Oasis Reunion Exclusion

Zak Starkey, the talented drummer and son of Ringo Starr, recently opened up about feeling “gutted” after not being invited to participate in the highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour. Having been a key member of Oasis during their mid-2000s era, Starkey’s absence from the upcoming shows has left him visibly disappointed.

The drummer’s history with Oasis is well-documented. He was first brought in following the departure of Alan White in 2004 and stayed with the band until 2008. During this period, Starkey contributed to two significant Oasis albums: Don’t Believe The Truth (2005) and Dig Out Your Soul (2008), helping to shape the band’s evolving sound.

New Drummer Joins Oasis Reunion Line-Up

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Joey Waronker would be the drummer for the Oasis reunion tour. Known for his work with Beck, R.E.M., and Elliott Smith, Waronker also played alongside Liam Gallagher and John Squire during their 2023 tour. Although Starkey understands the decision, he shared on BBC Breakfast how he reached out to the band, asking, “Why am I not in it?”

“You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don’t you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that’s what’s happened and I’m alright with that.” – Zak Starkey

Respect for Oasis and Its Legacy

Despite his disappointment, Starkey expressed immense respect for Oasis, calling them “the greatest rock and roll band of my generation” and praising Noel and Liam Gallagher as “the greatest rock and roll singers of my generation.” Alongside the Gallagher brothers, the reunion line-up features Andy Bell on bass, Gem Archer and Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs on guitar, and Christian Madden on keyboards.

Zak Starkey’s Recent Departure from The Who

Starkey’s career has recently seen a major shift. In a protracted and public split from The Who, the drummer first hinted in April that he had been let go, only for Pete Townshend to deny those reports. However, by mid-May, Townshend officially confirmed Starkey’s departure, stating that “the time has come for a change.” Scott Devours, who has played with Roger Daltrey’s solo band, will fill the drummer’s seat for The Who’s farewell North American tour later this year.

Zak Starkey Clarifies His Status with The Who

Following these developments, Starkey revealed that Roger Daltrey told him he had been “retired” rather than “fired” from The Who. Starkey shared this on social media, describing a “great phone chat” he had with Daltrey that left both of them a little confused.

“I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn’t been ‘fired’… I had been ‘retired’ to work on my own projects.” – Zak Starkey

He went on to mention his recent work at his Jamaica studio, where he’s been busy with his band Mantra of the Cosmos, releasing a new single in early June.

Oasis Reunion Tour: Dates and Details

The Oasis reunion tour kicks off at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 4, with a massive 41 shows planned worldwide, culminating on November 23 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Recently, the band was spotted arriving at rehearsals—though notably without Liam Gallagher. Reports suggest the Gallagher brothers are rehearsing separately for now and will only come together in the studio closer to the tour start.

“Noel and Liam are rehearsing separately for now and won’t be going into a studio together until next month. Once Noel has finished up, Liam will be coming in to rehearse with the band.” – Report on Oasis rehearsals

It seems the brothers want to keep their reunion low-key until the big opening show, adding a little suspense to the highly awaited tour.

Relive an Oasis Classic

Conclusion

Zak Starkey’s story reminds us that even the most seasoned musicians can face unexpected twists in their careers. His respect for Oasis and understanding of the reunion’s direction show a graceful acceptance despite the disappointment. What do you think about the new Oasis lineup and Starkey's absence? Are you excited for the reunion tour?

FAQs

• What was Zak Starkey’s role in Oasis?
  He was the drummer from 2004 to 2008 and played on the albums Don’t Believe The Truth and Dig Out Your Soul.
• Who is the drummer for the Oasis reunion tour?
  Joey Waronker, known for working with Beck and R.E.M., will be Oasis’s drummer for the upcoming reunion tour.
• Why wasn’t Zak Starkey invited to the reunion?
  Starkey believes the band grew comfortable with the new drummer, Joey Waronker, and respects their decision.
• What is Zak Starkey’s current status with The Who?
  He has officially parted ways with The Who, with Scott Devours taking over drumming duties for their farewell tour.
• When and where does the Oasis reunion tour begin?
  The tour starts on July 4 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and runs until November 23 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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