The Who to return to UK? Band reunite with Zak Starkey and tease live shows
4 September 2026, 10:14
The Who are back in rehearsals with a familiar face.
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The Who wrapped up their farewell North American The Song Is Over Tour last October with a stunning 23-song set at the Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, California.
But the band left the question open as to whether they would play in Europe or the UK again.
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The Who fans back home will be delighted to hear that the group are not only rehearsing again, but have also reunited with long-time drummer Zak Starkey.
While never a full-time member of the group, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr played with the band for three decades from 1996 to 2025, before being axed, rehired and axed again during their final run.
Scott Devours closed out the tour in Starkey's place, but talking to fans during a solo show in Las Vegas, singer Roger Daltrey not only confirmed the band had reunited for rehearsals, but that Zak was back behind the kit.
Daltrey does Vegas: No to Sphere, yes to more Who
"It sounded great," Daltrey said from the stage.
"We rehearsed for an afternoon and were absolutely on fire. I'm so happy to be back playing the music I love with people I love. It's good to be home.”
In response, Starkey said: "Nice one Rog x. Lookin forward to tearin it up with The Who again..The rehearsal was great..
"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!"
But a residency doesn't interest Daltrey, and especially not at the Las Vegas Sphere.
"I think the management may have had talks about playing there, but when I think about it, I don’t know whether it really interests me," Daltrey told Las Vegas Review-Journal.
"I think the Sphere's got its place. There's no doubt about that, and it is an extraordinary thing. But I like the energy from a show just to come from the stage.
"There's something for me about just the old-fashioned stage without the cock walk. For me, the cock walk just completely disrupts the energy of the show."
The Who - Love Reign O'er Me (Live At Hyde Park)
A few days later, Daltrey expanded on his comments and sung the praises of Starkey.
“He’s not Keith Moon, but he’s come very close.” Daltrey told LifeMinute
Asked directly about hopes for an on-stage reunion, he replied: "I don't know. We did a rehearsal recently, and Zak was the drummer.
"We love Zak, but sometimes the road doesn’t like Zak. Sometimes it gets on top of him, and it becomes difficult.
"He was drumming at the rehearsal, and we did the rehearsal to see if we can possibly do shows next year. Still hit the notes, still get the drive.
"Who music demands an incredible amount of drive, and without that, it would be Herman’s Hermits without the Herman.”
