Zak Starkey was born on September 13, 1965, in London, England. He is the son of Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, and Maureen Starkey Tigrett. Raised in a household deeply influenced by music, Zak developed a love for drumming from an early age. Despite his fatherβs reluctance to teach him the drums, he received his first kit as a gift from Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who, which set him on the path to becoming a world-renowned musician.
Teenage Years and Early Career
In his teenage years, Zak began performing with local bands, showcasing his raw talent and establishing his reputation. He joined the band The Next in the early 1980s and continued honing his craft in small clubs around England. During this period, he also worked with Johnny Marr of The Smiths on a few projects, including some studio recordings.
Touring and Recording with The Who
In 1996, Zakβs career took a monumental turn when he became the drummer for The Who, stepping into the shoes of his mentor, Keith Moon. His style and energy were a perfect fit for the band, and he was a critical part of their later tours and recordings. Zak played with the band on several high-profile tours and contributed to albums like “Endless Wire” in 2006. His powerful drumming brought a new dynamic to the band’s live performances, helping them maintain their legendary status well into the 21st century.
Oasis and Other Collaborations
Aside from his work with The Who, Zak Starkey is also known for his time with the British rock band Oasis. He joined Oasis in 2004, during the recording of their album “Don’t Believe the Truth”, contributing to hit singles like “Lyla” and “The Importance of Being Idle”. Zak‘s unique drumming style breathed new life into the band, and he became an integral part of their tours until their breakup in 2009.
Throughout his career, Zak has collaborated with a number of iconic artists and bands, including Johnny Marr, Paul Weller, and The Lightning Seeds. His versatility as a drummer has allowed him to move seamlessly between genres, from rock to pop and everything in between.
Later Years and Recent Projects
In more recent years, Zak Starkey has continued to build on his legacy. He launched his own record label, Trojan Jamaica, in 2019, aiming to bring reggae and Jamaican music to a broader audience. The label has released several critically acclaimed albums, further showcasing Zakβs commitment to diverse musical projects. His drumming career has also seen him perform with various other bands, most notably on “Who”, the 2019 studio album by The Who.
Legacy
Zak Starkeyβs legacy as a drummer is firmly established. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ringo Starr, and under the mentorship of Keith Moon, he has carved out his own path in the music industry. Whether through his work with The Who, Oasis, or his numerous collaborations, Zak‘s contributions to rock music have been both influential and enduring.
His ability to adapt to different musical styles, while maintaining a distinctive sound, ensures that Zak Starkey remains one of the most respected drummers in modern music. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his influence on the world of rock, reggae, and beyond shows no signs of slowing down.
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