Andrea
Zak Starkey is a force to be reckoned with in the English music world.
An English musician, Starkey has had an impressive career performing and collaborating with some of the most influential musicians in history, from rock legends such as John Entwistle to modern-day acts like Oasis.
Not only is he one of the few musicians to join the iconic rock band The Who, but he is also the son of Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr. That is why many think he inherited his father’s talent and added it with his own flavor.
Let’s explore the fascinating career of Zak Starkey, the musical force of many iconic bands!
Who is Zak Starkey?
Zak Starkey, or Zak Richard Starkey, is a renowned English musician and the son of Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) and Maureen Starkey, Starr’s first wife. Meanwhile, in his adulthood, Starkey has a daughter Luna Lee Lightnin with his former partner Sarah Menikides.
Born on 13 September 1965 in London, England, he grew up at Sunny Heights at St George’s Hill in Surrey and Tittenhurst Park at Sunninghill, Berkshire.
When he was 8 years old, he started developing an interest in drums because the Who’s drummer Keith Moon gave him a drum kit that was later sold at Sotheby’s for £12,000.
In the process of honing his skills, twelve-year-old drummer Zak Starkey was already performing in pubs as part of the garage band The Next.
Zak Starkey’s music career
Zak Starkey is an English musician and songwriter best known for his drumming. He began his music career professionally in the early 1980s.
He was taught to play the drums by his own father for one lesson, after which he began teaching himself. Kenney Jones, the drummer of the Faces, also admitted that he taught Starkey virtually.
In the early 1980s, Starkey drummed for the re-formed Spencer Davis Group and temporarily took over as the drummer for The Semantics, replacing Jody Spence.
He also contributed to John Entwistle‘s solo album The Rock in 1985 and performed with his father on “Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid” from 1992 to 1995.
In 1994, he joined forces with John Entwistle and Roger Daltrey of The Who, receiving glowing reviews for his powerful drumming style. Many critics said that he has his own sound that still makes The Who sound fresh and contemporary while maintaining the classic feel of their music.
In 2000, Starkey co-founded Johnny Marr & The Healers as a part of his contribution to the music industry.
In the meantime, in 2004, he became a member of the Britpop band Oasis. He accompanied Oasis on their subsequent year-long tour and appeared in promotional videos for the singles. This prompted Noel Gallagher to confirm him as Oasis’ official drummer in an event.
Starkey has worked with several prominent musicians over the years, including Keith Moon, Eddie Vedder, and Pete Townshend. In 2008, Starkey formed the band Penguins Rising, which had previously been called Penguin, along with his partner Sharna Liguz.
All these collaborations and experiences have only served to solidify further Starkey’s reputation as a talented and versatile drummer in the rock music world.
Discography
Zak Starkey has been performing and recording with various artists since the 1980s. He has also released several solo albums, including a covers album.
His discography includes the album Roger Daltrey‘s Under a Raging Moon (1985), Eddie Hardin‘s Wizard’s Convention, Vol. 2 (1997), and the album SSHH’s Issues (2016).
Additionally, he has provided drumming for the English rock band the Who’s since he joined the band. It includes the album Endless Wire (2006) and Who (2019).
Verdict
Throughout his career, Zak has played drums with some of the most influential artists from all five decades, such as Bob Geldof, Oasis, Primal Scream, and many more.
He is best known for playing drums for The Who from 1996 until today. He also played drums with many other iconic bands, including Paul Weller’s Jam band, Oasis, and Broken English.
His combination of technical skill and improvisation makes him one of the best drummers alive today.
Featured Image: Kubacheck, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
