Who Was That Kid?

Watching The Who’s Super Bowl Halftime show, it was impossible not to recognize founders Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. It was also difficult not to watch the guy stealing some of their spotlight in the background. Who was that “kid” playing drums?

With Keith Moon and John Entwistle having moved on to rock and roll heaven, replacements have had to fill their spots for some time now. Not so much the “kid” at 44, drummer Zak Starkey, son of famous dad Ringo Starr, has actually been with them since 1996.

Starkey received his first drum kit from his idol, original Who drummer Keith Moon. He then built his career as a steady session player for bands like the Icicle Works, the Waterboys, and the Lightning Seeds, did some time as a member of the reformed Steve Winwood led Spenser Davis Group, pounded sticks for Oasis and even did some work with ex-Smiths Johnny Marr.

It never ceases to amaze me how the rock and roll world is so intricately webbed.