The last week has been something of a whirlwind for longtime The Who percussionist Zak Starkey. On April 15, news broke that the legendary rockers had axed their drummer of nearly 30 years. Four days later, founding member Pete Townshend announced that Starkey has now returned to the band. And in light of the latest news cycle, an unreleased recording featuring Starkey, his father Ringo Starr, Elton John, and more is again making the rounds online.
Videos by American Songwriter
Zak Starkey Originally Shared the Star-Studded Cover in February
Earlier this year, Zak Starkey shared a cover of T. Rex’s 1972 single “Children of the Revolution” to his Instagram page. Apparently recorded for an unannounced charity album, featured appearances from Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, along with Elton John and Starkey’s father, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
Starkey also released the music video, which tells the story of a young cancer victim. The group of A-list musicians recorded the cover to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Ringo/Elton/Axl/Duff/Slash. C’mon amazing people – let’s get this record out and helping these teenagers who as musicians WE RELY ON SO MUCH,” the 59-year-old drummer wrote in the caption. “If we wait much longer some of the these brave young people may not have enough time to hear it – this is the first half then it gets wild !!! Everything generated by this record ( other artists tagged) goes to teenage cancer – if it gets released – which depends totally on the amazing participants giving us the green light …”
The cover originated in 2017, when both Guns N’ Roses and The Who played at Rock in Rio. “we will auction the record for teen cancer without greedy bean counting majors wanting 75% (I won’t say which label but f— me this is for sick kids,)” Starkey wrote on Instagram.
Guess Who’s Back?
Just four days after parting ways with their longtime drummer, The Who made another announcement. Zak Starkey has been reinstated as of Saturday (April 19.)
“There have been some communication issues, personal and private on all sides, that needed to be dealt with, and these have been aired happily,” Pete Townshend wrote on Instagram. He added that news of Starkey’s firing “blew up very quickly and got too much oxygen.”
“It’s over,” the rock legend wrote. “We move forward now with optimism and fire in our bellies.”
Featured image by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
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