Zak Starkey, the talented drummer and son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, has carved out a successful music career of his own. With a lineage that includes one of the greatest drummers in rock history, it’s no surprise that Zak has made a name for himself as a member of the iconic band The Who.
Born on September 13, 1965, Zak has played with a variety of well-known bands throughout his career, including The Spencer Davis Group, The Semantics, and The Icicle Works. He even joined his father, Ringo Starr, on stage for the iconic Sun City concert in 1985 as part of Artists United Against Apartheid.
In addition to his work with The Who, Zak spent several years as a session player for Oasis from 2004 to 2009. He played on Oasis’ year-long tour in 2005 and appeared in promotional videos for their singles during that time. However, Zak reportedly fell out with Noel Gallagher in 2008, leading to his departure from the band.
More recently, Zak has been working on a new musical project called Mantra Of The Cosmos, which features Oasis guitarist Andy Bell and Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder, among others. The group released a single titled X (Wot You Sayin?) in August 2023 to critical acclaim.
On a personal note, Zak has two daughters, Tatia Jayne Starkey and Luna Lee Lightnin, with his first wife Sarah and current partner Sshh. The couple tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony on Luna’s first birthday, surrounded by family and friends.
Despite his success in the music industry, Zak recently found himself in a bit of a predicament when Airbnb hosts cancelled his booking after discovering his rockstar background. It seems that even after decades in the industry, Zak’s reputation as a member of Oasis and The Who precedes him.
As Oasis announces their reunion tour for the summer of 2025, fans can only speculate on whether Zak will be joining the band on stage once again. For now, we can continue to enjoy his incredible talent with The Who and eagerly await what the future holds for this gifted musician.