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As Oasis gear up for their long-awaited reunion, not everyone is celebrating, especially drummer Zak Starkey, who has admitted he’s “gutted” not to be included in the iconic band’s return.
The son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr and longtime drummer for The Who, Starkey played a key role in Oasis's post-2004 sound, stepping in after Alan White’s departure. He performed with the band throughout some of their most successful later years, contributing to the albums Don’t Believe The Truth (2005) and Dig Out Your Soul (2008), before quietly exiting in the lead-up to the band’s eventual split.
But with the recent news confirming a reunion tour, featuring Joey Waronker (of Beck and R.E.M. fame) behind the drum kit, fans quickly noticed Starkey’s absence, and so did he.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Zak confessed:
“I was gutted. I texted them and said, ‘Why am I not in it?’”
Despite his obvious disappointment, Starkey was quick to show grace and understanding about the decision.
“You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don’t you?” he said.
“You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that’s what’s happened and I’m alright with that.”
His comments have stirred emotional reactions from fans, many of whom regard his drumming as an integral part of the band's mid-2000s revival. During that period, Oasis delivered some of their most mature and critically acclaimed work, and Zak's chemistry with the band was often praised.
Credit: PA
The decision to bring in Waronker has added a new layer of intrigue to the reunion, which already has massive buzz surrounding it. While details about new music or a full tour remain tightly under wraps, the band’s return is one of the most talked-about events in music this year, fuelled further by the ever-present tension and drama that has always surrounded the Gallagher-led group.
Whether or not fans will see Starkey take the stage for a one-off appearance or surprise cameo remains to be seen. For now, he’s taking the high road, publicly, at least.
One thing is certain: even when they’re not trying, Oasis still manages to spark headlines, feuds, and nostalgia in equal measure.
