**Zak Starkey Expresses Disappointment Over Oasis Live ’25 Tour Line-Up**
Former Oasis drummer Zak Starkey has spoken candidly about his dismay at not being selected for the highly anticipated Oasis Live ’25 Tour, set to kick off this summer. The accomplished percussionist, who played a pivotal role in the band’s later years, revealed he would have gladly rejoined the iconic Britpop group for free, such is his enduring affection for the project.
Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, contributed to two of Oasis’s acclaimed albums—*Don’t Believe the Truth* and *Dig Out Your Soul*—during his tenure between 2004 and 2008. Despite his close association with the group, the drumming duties for the forthcoming reunion tour have instead been assigned to Joey Waronker, a newcomer to the Oasis line-up.
In a recent interview, Starkey admitted that the news was a bitter pill to swallow. “I’d have done that gig for nothing, you know? I just loved it. That’s my favourite band,” he confessed, reflecting on the strong emotional connection he still feels towards Oasis. Starkey went on to joke, albeit with a hint of sadness, that he might be moved to tears watching Waronker perform in his place. “I’ll cry if I go, in case he mucks it up. I can’t see someone else do it that’s not me,” he added.
It’s clear that Starkey’s passion for Oasis remains undiminished, even as he ventures into new musical territories. The drummer also opened up about his recent, and somewhat controversial, departure from another legendary rock group—The Who. Starkey described the circumstances around his exit as fraught with confusion and miscommunication, noting that his involvement in other musical projects was cited as a possible reason by some close to the band.
One such project, Mantra Of The Cosmos, has united several high-profile names from the British music scene, including Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, ex-Oasis bassist Andy Bell, and Happy Mondays members Shaun Ryder and Bez. Their collaboration resulted in the recently-released single “Dominoes Bones,” further cementing Starkey’s ongoing presence in the industry. Addressing speculation, Starkey clarified, “Roger [Daltrey] thought that I was so busy that he needed to retire me because of Mantra, but I’m actually not busy at all.” He stressed that, despite what was reported, his friendships with both Daltrey and Pete Townshend remain strong and enduring.
For Oasis fans, the 2025 tour represents a major event on the musical calendar, with tickets selling out rapidly for the first date at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 4 July. However, for those with a soft spot for Starkey’s unmistakable drumming style, his absence will be keenly felt.
This turn of events highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry, where even established artists can find themselves sidelined in favour of new talent or different creative directions. Starkey’s willingness to return, regardless of financial incentives, underlines the deep connections that many musicians feel to their bands, long after their official involvement has ended.
As the Oasis Live ’25 tour approaches, all eyes will be on the dynamic that emerges with Waronker sitting behind the drum kit. For Starkey, the chapter with Oasis appears to be closing, at least for now, but his influence—and enthusiasm—clearly lives on in the band’s legacy.
For those hoping for a possible reconciliation or future collaborations, Starkey’s amicable relationships with his former bandmates keep the door open, albeit slightly, for future musical adventures. In the meantime, his candid reflections serve as a reminder of the personal and professional challenges faced by musicians who help shape the soundtrack of their generation.