Zak Starkey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zak Starkey |
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Starkey performing with the Who in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Zak Richard Starkey |
| Born | 13 September 1965 Hammersmith, London, England |
| Genres |
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| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Labels | |
Zak Richard Starkey (born 13 September 1965) is a famous English rock drummer. He is known for playing with the legendary band the Who for many years. He also worked with other popular groups like Oasis, Johnny Marr, and the Lightning Seeds. Zak is the son of the Beatles' drummer, Ringo Starr.
Contents
Early Life and Learning to Play
Growing Up with Music
Zak Richard Starkey was born on September 13, 1965, in Hammersmith, London. His father is Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles. His mother was Maureen Starkey. Zak grew up in Surrey and Berkshire, England. He went to Highgate School in London until 1981.
A Special Gift from a Legend
When Zak was eight years old, he received a drum kit. This special gift came from Keith Moon, the drummer for the Who. Keith Moon was a close friend of Zak's father and was also Zak's godfather. Even though they didn't play drums together, Moon talked to Zak about drumming. This drum kit was later sold for a lot of money.
Learning to Drum
Zak taught himself how to play the drums. His father, Ringo Starr, only gave him one lesson. Ringo didn't want Zak to become a musician, hoping he would choose a different career. However, Ringo has always praised Zak's drumming skills. Kenney Jones, another famous drummer who played with Faces and later the Who, helped teach young Zak. By the time he was twelve, Zak was already playing in pubs with his band, the Next. After Keith Moon passed away, Kenney Jones gave Zak a white drum kit that used to belong to Moon.
Zak's Musical Journey
Early Bands and Collaborations
In the early 1980s, Zak played with a re-formed Spencer Davis Group. He also briefly joined a band called the Semantics. He played on their album Powerbill, which was released in Japan in 1996. In 1985, Zak played drums on a solo album by John Entwistle, who was the bassist for the Who. He also joined the Icicle Works in 1988 and played on an album by Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith.
Playing with His Father
Zak joined his father, Ringo Starr, for the song "Sun City" in 1985. From 1992 to 1995, he toured with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band. He also played at his father's 70th birthday party in New York City in 2010. They performed songs like "With a Little Help from My Friends" together.
Joining The Who
In 1994, Zak toured with Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle from the Who. In 1996, he officially joined the Who for their Quadrophenia tour. Critics praised his drumming, saying he had a strong presence without trying to copy Keith Moon. Both Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey said Zak was the best drummer for the band since Moon's passing.
Zak played with the Who at the Concert for New York City in 2001. This show was a big "comeback" for the band. In 2010, he performed with the Who at the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show. He also played with them at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in London.
Zak was not able to record much for the Who's 2006 album, Endless Wire, because he was touring with Oasis. However, he joined them for the tour supporting the album. Pete Townshend once said that Zak was invited to be a permanent member of the Who, but Zak preferred to keep his options open.
In 2014, Zak rejoined the Who for their "Who Hits 50" tour. This tour included a performance at the Coachella Festival in California. He also played with them when they headlined the Glastonbury Festival.
In April 2025, news came out that Zak would be leaving the Who. There were reports of disagreements during a concert. Zak said he was "surprised and saddened" but remained a big fan of the band. Later, Pete Townshend announced that Zak was leaving to work on other projects. Zak clarified that he had been "retired rather than fired."
Playing with Oasis
From 2004 to 2008, Zak was a touring drummer for the band Oasis. He played on most of their 2005 album, Don't Believe the Truth. Even though he played on their album and toured with them, he was never an official member of the band.
Zak said that playing with Oasis was "massive" and called them "some of the smartest musicians I've ever met."
Other Projects and Reggae Music
In 2008, Zak formed a band called Penguins Rising with his partner, Sharna Liguz. They released an album called Hatemale in 2011.
More recently, Zak built a music studio in Jamaica. In 2016, he started a record label called Trojan Jamaica. This label focuses on music from Jamaica, as well as soul and blues from America. He has worked as a co-producer and guitarist on several albums released through this label. One album, Got To Be Tough by Toots and the Maytals, won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2020.
Personal Life
In 1985, Zak married Sarah Menikides. They had a daughter named Tatia Jayne, born in 1985. They separated in 2006 and divorced in 2021.
Zak married Sharna Liguz, his partner of 18 years, on March 21, 2022. They chose this date to honor their daughter, Luna Lee Lightnin, who was born a year earlier. The wedding took place in West Hollywood, California. Eddie Vedder and Johnny Marr were Zak's best men.
Associated Acts
- The Icicle Works (1988)
- Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band (1992–1995)
- The Semantics (1992–1993)
- Roger Daltrey (1994–1995)
- Face (1995–1996)
- The Who (1996–2025)
- The Lightning Seeds (1997–2000)
- Johnny Marr and the Healers (2000–2003)
- Oasis (2004–2008)
Images for kids
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Starkey on stage with the Who in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Zak Starkey para niños
