Who is Ringo Starr’s son?
Ringo Starr’s son is Zak Starkey, born 13 September 1965 to Ringo and Maureen Starkey. As the child of a Beatle and a lifelong music environment, Zak has remained a notable figure in his own right for decades, especially within drumming circles. He is not a former Beatle or a temporary touring fill-in, but the son who grew up backstage and in studios while pursuing a professional path as a drummer.
Zak Starkey’s career and style as a established session and touring drummer
Zak Starkey has built a long, steady career as a working drummer across classic rock revival bands and high-profile sessions. His style blends rock power with the technical precision and feel cultivated from years of immersion in his father’s legacy. He has recorded and toured with multiple notable acts and is recognized as a steady, versatile drummer in demand for both studio and live work.
Notable bands and projects
- The Who — Lead drummer for the band across multiple eras and tours, covering and later succeeding long-time drummer Keith Moon.
- Oasis — Touring and recording drummer during key periods in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band — Regular contributor and bandleader within the family act and rotating lineup.
- Other sessions and tours — Work with Johnny Marr, Joe Cocker, and various tribute and cover projects.
How Zak Starkey’s upbringing shaped his musicianship
Growing up as Ringo’s son gave Zak unusual access to gear, knowledge, and time with working musicians. He spent time on tour buses and in backline rooms, observing professionals and learning practical craft. This environment did not guarantee a career, but it normalized the discipline and logistics of life in bands. Many who follow him as a drummer note that his timing, tuning, and feel show the influence of close exposure to one of rock’s most steady timekeepers.
Shared traits between father and son behind the kit
Both Ringo and Zak favor a big, open sound and prioritize service to the song over flash. Zak has acknowledged modeling parts after his father’s economical, effective approach, and he often highlights the importance of pocket and feel. While Zak’s technique is his own, the musical priorities—supporting the band, clear grooves, and tasteful fills—connect the two generations. Comparisons are common, but Zak has created a durable identity separate from the legend while honoring it.
Family tree brief overview
| Relation | Name | Role/Mention |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Ringo Starr | The Beatles drummer, bandleader, singer |
| Mother | Maureen Starkey | Family foundation; passed 1994 |
| Son | Zak Starkey | Professional drummer, session and touring artist |
| Daughters | Tatia Jay Starkey and Lily-Rose Starkey | From Zak’s marriage to actress and model Barbara Bach’s daughter from a previous relationship |
| Step-family | Barbara Bach | Actress and Zak’s wife; not the mother of his children but a step-parent figure in their lives |
Frequently asked questions about Zak Starkey
Because the name carries weight, several questions recur. Addressing these helps clarify identity, achievement, and what is confirmed versus speculation.
Is Zak Starkey Ringo Starr’s only son?
Yes, Zak is Ringo’s only biological son. Ringo has two daughters from his marriage to Barbara Bach—Tatia Jay Starkey and Lily-Rose Starkey—who are his stepdaughters from Barbara’s previous relationship. Zak is his sole son from his union with Maureen Starkey.
Does Zak Starkey earn a living as a drummer?
Yes. Over decades he has earned income from session work, record and tour royalties, advances and royalties from his own releases, and fees from touring with The Who, Oasis, and the All-Starr Band. While not typically tabulated as a headline solo star, drummers of his profile command substantial fees and have steady workflow in the classic rock and touring circuit.
Why is Zak Starkey often compared to Keith Moon and to his father?
He filled in for Keith Moon early in The Who’s touring history and later became the regular drummer for the band, naturally inviting comparisons to Moon. He is also frequently compared to Ringo because of the family name and similar big, steady grooves. In interviews, Zak has said he treats these comparisons as respect rather than pressure, focusing on serving each band’s needs.
Are there live recordings or videos that show Zak Starkey playing with The Who or Oasis?
Yes. Prominent releases include The Who’s "Live from Toronto 2002" with Zak on drums, multiple Oasis live sets from the late 1990s and early 2000s, and numerous concert films and audio releases from his work with Ringo’s All-Starr Band. These materials are widely available on streaming platforms and physical media.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Aspect | Ringo Starr | Zak Starkey |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role in major bands | The Beatles drummer; bandleader | The Who drummer; Oasis touring drummer; bandleader in Ringo’s All-Starr Band |
| Era of peak visibility | 1960s–1970s with The Beatles; ongoing as leader | 1990s onward with The Who and Oasis; continuous touring since |
| Typical kit setup and sound | Large, open rock sound; economical grooves | Large sound; emphasis on feel and pocket |
| Session and touring highlights | Countless classic recordings; film scores; solo work | Key recordings and tours with The Who and Oasis; many live albums |
| Family role | Father | Son |
Status and legacy considerations
Zak Starkey occupies a distinct place in rock history: a drummer who grew up in famous company and earned steady respect across decades. He may not carry the same global name recognition as his father, but within working musician circles and among fans of classic rock, he is regarded as a reliable, musical, and professional player. His legacy will likely be framed by the bands he helped stabilize and the generations of drummers who see him as a working model of how to build a long career behind the kit.
Wrap-up
Zak Starkey is Ringo Starr’s son and a working drummer who has performed with The Who, Oasis, and his father’s All-Starr Band. His upbringing offered access and mentorship, while his career reflects earned skill, adaptability, and respect for the craft. For those interested in family influence in music and the ongoing life of rock drumming, Zak Starkey’s path represents a sustained, professional example grounded in the rhythms of rock history.