Roger Daltrey Confirms The Who Are Rehearsing With Zak Starkey

During recent solo performances of “Who Are You” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” at Las Vegas’ Encore Theatre, Roger Daltrey dropped a surprising update regarding the future of The Who. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Daltrey shared from the stage that the band is actively rehearsing with long-time drummer Zak Starkey. He noted that “it sounded great.”

The news comes after The Who wrapped up their latest farewell tour, dubbed The Song is Over, last October. Prior to launching those dates, the band unceremoniously parted ways with Starkey, replacing him with Scott Devours, the drummer from Daltrey’s solo band. Starkey had previously drummed for the group from 1996 to 2025. He appeared on studio releases including 2006’s Endless Wire and 2019’s Who, as well as live projects like 2023’s The Who With Orchestra Live at Wembley.

Rehearsals and Future Plans

Zak Starkey played drums with the Who from 1996 until just before their 2025 farewell tour began. (Al Tielemans, Getty Images)

Following Daltrey’s onstage comments, Starkey took to social media to confirm the reunion. “The rehearsal was great,” Starkey wrote. “I don’t think we’ve ever rehearsed as tough as that. Usually, we drink tea and talk about what time we’re going home!”

While future plans for The Who remain officially unclear, Daltrey previously hinted at winding down his own career following the U.S. farewell run. He noted in May that a less grueling life as a solo artist was becoming more attractive. Daltrey also explicitly ruled out one potential venue for any upcoming shows: Las Vegas’ tech-focused Sphere. While acknowledging it is an extraordinary space, Daltrey told the Review-Journal that he prefers the energy of a show to come strictly from the stage rather than high-tech productions.