“With a short, simple Instagram post, Pete and Roger, once again, changed my life forever”: Newly appointed Who drummer Scott Devours describes “tsunami of emotions” in light of Zak Starkey’s firing
Scott Devours has spoken about the “tsunami of emotions” he is feeling as The Who’s newly appointed touring drummer, following Zak Starkey’s sudden and controversial departure earlier this week.
In a new Facebook post, Devours describes the surreal experience of landing his dream gig – one he calls “the greatest moment” of his career, while also acknowledging the mixed feelings surrounding Starkey’s exit as a fan himself.
READ MORE: The Who announce final tour and retirement: “All good things must come to an end”
“With a short, simple Instagram post, Pete and Roger, once again, changed my life forever,” the drummer begins, referencing the Who’s announcement on the platform earlier this week. “It’s hard to express the tsunami of emotions that I’m processing since that incredible news, but there are a couple of things I feel compelled to say.”
“The first is that I need to thank all the family, friends & fans for the countless messages, texts and emails congratulating me and sharing their excitement. Please accept this group: ‘thank you’. The amount of positivity thrown my way has been overwhelming, I truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Also, please don’t ask me for tickets, lol.”
Devours then goes on to address those upset about Starkey’s exit, adding that it’s a feeling he could relate to as a fan of the band himself.
“The second is that I understand and accept the reality that there are many lifelong Who fans who are absolutely gutted by the news that Zak is no longer on the throne behind The Who,” he says. “As a huge fan myself, there is a part of me that’s processing this loss with a heavy heart too. It really is a strange contradiction of emotions to have the greatest moment of my professional career also be one framed with some sadness and shadowed by someone else’s loss. It’s tough to put into words actually, but I know it’s there and it’s real.”
“I guess the reality of it is this,” Devours continues. “I’m sure there are many fans who will not accept me or anyone on that throne except for Zak. I know that this will be the case for some and I acknowledge that. For others, perhaps the jury is still out. Maybe I’ll need to let the music do the talking?”
“In my world, there are no bigger shoes to fill than those behind Pete and Roger. The weight of this responsibility is enormous and I am feeling every ounce of it. What I want to say to all of the fans is that I will do everything I can to honor the legacy of The Who, Zak, Kenney Jones, Simon Phillips and the memory of the great Keith Moon. For my name to even be mentioned in a sentence like that literally sends shivers down my spine and I know I need to earn this honour,” says the musician.
“Since this is the last time Pete and Roger will be touring the US, playing the greatest songs ever written, I will be giving them every second of my time, every beat of my heart, and every drop of my sweat and blood. This is my ultimate goal.”
Yesterday, with a short, simple Instagram post, Pete and Roger, once again, changed my life forever. It’s hard to…
Posted by Scott Devours on Monday, May 19, 2025
The post “With a short, simple Instagram post, Pete and Roger, once again, changed my life forever”: Newly appointed Who drummer Scott Devours describes “tsunami of emotions” in light of Zak Starkey’s firing appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
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