Zak Starkey

Early Life

Zak Richard Starkey was born on September 13, 1965, in Hammersmith, London, to Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, and his first wife, Maureen Starkey. Growing up in a musical environment, he was gifted a drum kit by Keith Moon, the drummer of The Who and a close family friend, at the age of eight. Although his father initially discouraged him from pursuing music, Starkey began teaching himself to play the drums and was performing in pubs by the age of twelve with a garage band called the Next.

Career

Starkey's professional career began in the early 1980s when he played with the re-formed Spencer Davis Group and briefly joined the Semantics. He made notable contributions to John Entwistle's solo album and played with the Icicle Works. However, his most significant role came when he joined The Who in 1996, where he toured and recorded until 2025. Starkey also collaborated with his father, Ringo Starr, on various projects, including tours with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band.

Personal Life

In 1985, Starkey married Sarah Menikides, with whom he had a daughter, Tatia Jayne. The couple separated in 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2021. Starkey later married Sharna Liguz in March 2022, celebrating their union with a ceremony attended by notable friends, including Eddie Vedder and Johnny Marr. The couple has a daughter, Luna Lee Lightnin, born in 2021.