Zak Starkey (born 13 September, 1965 at Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital in London) is an English drummer, well-known as the first-born child of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr (whose real name is Richard Starkey) and his first wife, Maureen Cox and also as the current drummer of Britpop band Oasis - one of the bands most influenced by his father's.
Zak is mostly noted for his unofficial membership in Oasis, being their third drummer. He joined the band in 2004, replacing longtime drummer Alan White. He subsequently performed on their sixth studio album Don't Believe the Truth, released in 2005, toured in 2005-2006 and recorded in July-December 2007 for their seventh studio album, slated for release in 2008. Starkey was invited officially in the band in 2006, but such a move remains to be seen.
Zak is the fourth drummer of the legendary classic rock band The Who, playing with them live and occasionally in the studio. He received very good reviews in this role for having a strong drumming presence but without explicitly imitating original Who drummer Keith Moon (who in fact was Zak's first teacher). Both Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey stated that he is the best drummer The Who has had since the death of Moon in 1978.
Zak has also worked on session and touring basis with prominent artists like Johnny Marr, Paul Weller, The Icicle Works, the Waterboys, ASAP and the Lightning Seeds.
