Zak Starkey “gutted” not to be involved in Oasis reunion: “Greatest rock and roll band of my generation”
Drummer Zak Starkey has spoken about Oasis‘ reunion and revealed he was “gutted” to not be asked to join the band for the run of dates.
Starkey, who was the Oasis drummer between 2004 and 2009, will soon release a new collaboration with Noel Gallagher alongside his band Mantra of the Cosmos. The duo still share a close bond, but Joey Waronker will serve as the Oasis drummer for their reunion tour. Notably, Mantra of the Cosmos also includes Andy Bell, who will be returning to bass duties in Oasis.
When asked about the collaboration with Gallagher and Mantra of the Cosmos on new single ‘Domino Bones’, Starkey shared on BBC Breakfast on May 27th, “I was blown away by it, I couldn’t believe it. The greatest songwriter of my generation sending me a tune. Well, two of the greatest songwriters of my generation, as Shaun (Ryder) is on it, too. The greatest beat poet I’ve ever met.”
Starkey was then quizzed about his thoughts on the Oasis reunion, and admitted he was “gutted” before adding, “I texted them and said, ‘Why am I not in it?’.”
However, Starkey understands why Oasis instead opted for Joey Waronker, who recently played with Liam Gallagher on his tour with John Squire, stating, “You know, if you get a new drummer, you get comfortable, don’t you? You get comfortable with new musicians and I think that’s what’s happened and I’m alright with that.”
Nevertheless, Starkey would have accepted the opportunity without hesitation, explaining, “God, yeah. Greatest rock and roll band of my generation. Greatest rock and roll singer of my generation.”
Starkey would have been occupied this summer with The Who’s farewell tour, which is scheduled to begin in August and travel across North America, but he was first relieved of his duties last month. Guitarist Pete Townshend later revealed Starkey was back in the band, before announcing Scott Devours had replaced him on May 18th.
In a recent Instagram post on May 26th, Starkey explained that he spoke with singer Roger Daltrey last week and that the two remain friends despite the confusing saga.
He wrote: “Rog said I hadn’t been ‘fired’…I had been ‘retired’ to work on my own projects. I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks ) I was completely available for the foreseeable future….”
Starkey confirmed they remain “on good terms and great friends as we have always been”.
Meanwhile, Oasis will start their reunion tour at the Principality Stadium on July 4th, ahead of dates in Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin later this summer.
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