Drummer Shakeups Dominate Rock Music in 2025

In the rock music landscape of 2025, a notable pattern has emerged: an unusually high number of bands have undergone changes in their rhythm sections. More than a dozen established acts in rock and metal have parted ways with their drummers this year, through firings, retirements, or mutual separations. This trend has sparked discussions among fans and industry observers, with some dubbing it a “drummer apocalypse.”

High-profile cases include The Who’s repeated dismissal of Zak Starkey and a direct swap between Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails. These developments highlight the often precarious role of drummers in band dynamics, where technical skill intersects with interpersonal and logistical challenges.

The year began with several quiet shifts but that escalated into full-blown public drama by spring. One of the most convoluted stories involves The Who, British rock pioneers known for classics like “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and a touring member of The Who since 1996, was initially fired in mid-April after a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Reports indicated that tensions arose during the song “The Song Is Over,” where Starkey’s playing allegedly overwhelmed the mix, prompting lead singer Roger Daltrey to halt the performance. The band issued a statement citing a “collective decision” to part ways, expressing admiration for Starkey’s contributions over nearly three decades. However, the situation quickly took an unexpected turn. Just three days later, guitarist Pete Townshend announced Starkey’s reinstatement, attributing the initial firing to “communication issues.”

Fans hoped for resolution, but by mid-May, Starkey was dismissed once again. In an Instagram post, he claimed the band asked him to falsely state that he had quit to pursue other projects, which he refused, calling the request “a lie.” The Who then recruited Scott Devours, previously with Daltrey’s solo band, for their farewell tour titled “The Song Is Over.” Starkey later described the founding members as “f—-ing insane” in media interviews, underscoring the resulting acrimony.

This firing re-hiring and re-firing not only disappointed fans but also raised questions about stability in aging bands, as The Who prepares for what may be their final performances.

Another prominent dismissal occurred with Foo Fighters, who deep-sixed Josh Freese in May, just two years after he joined following the death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins. Freese, a session veteran with credits including Guns N’ Roses and Devo, expressed shock in a social media post, noting it was his first professional dismissal in four decades. The band cited a desire to “go in a different direction” but provided no further details.

Freese’s departure quickly led to one of the year’s most intriguing developments: An actual swap! Freese rejoined Nine Inch Nails, whom he had toured with from 2005 to 2008, while NIN’s Ilan Rubin moved to Foo Fighters. This unusual exchange, announced in late July, has been compared to a sports trade, with fans speculating on the mutual benefits for both groups as they set out on tour.

Swaps and departures have not been limited to these cases. Guns N’ Roses ended their 19-year run with Frank Ferrer in March, replacing him with Isaac Carpenter, a former collaborator with bassist Duff McKagan. The split was described as amicable, with the band wishing Ferrer well.

Similarly, Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain retired from touring in December 2024 due to health issues following a 2023 stroke, making way for Simon Dawson. McBrain remains involved in non-touring capacities, emphasizing his continued ties to the band.

Oasis, reuniting for a major tour, opted for Joey Waronker as their drummer, bypassing former members like Zak Starkey or Chris Sharrock. Waronker’s resume includes stints with Beck and R.E.M., bringing fresh energy to the Gallagher brothers’ comeback.

Bob Dylan also refreshed his lineup for the 2025 leg of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, replacing Jim Keltner with Anton Fig, a veteran of sessions with Kiss and Joe Bonamassa.

In the metal and alternative scenes, changes have been equally frequent. Primus saw Tim “Herb” Alexander depart in October 2024, citing physical toll after decades of playing; he was replaced by John “Hoffer” Hoffman following open auditions.

Godsmack’s Shannon Larkin quit in 2024, revealed in April 2025, due to touring fatigue, with Will Hunt stepping in.

The New Pornographers fired Joe Seiders in April after his arrest on child-related charges. Kind of hard to overlook the irony with that one.

Black Flag introduced a new lineup, including drummer Bryce Weston, as founder Greg Ginn revamps the punk icons.

Other notable exits include Ken Bedene from Aborted, David-Karl Friedrich from Electric Callboy, Kris Myers from Umphrey’s McGee, Tanner Wayne from In Flames, Matt Lynch from Cynic, and Guido Zima Montanarini from Paradise Lost—all occurring between April and May.

These moves often stemmed from creative differences, health concerns, or personal decisions.

This wave of changes echoes historical precedents in rock, where drummers have frequently been the first to go during periods of transition. The Beatles’ replacement of Pete Best with Ringo Starr in 1962 set a template, as did Metallica’s shifts or the Rolling Stones’ post-Brian Jones era.

In 2024, a similar rotation occurred among Sepultura, Slipknot, and Suicidal Tendencies, with Eloy Casagrande, Jay Weinberg, and Greyson Nekrutman swapping roles.

Drummers bear unique physical demands—repetitive strain, hearing issues, and the need for precise synchronization—making them vulnerable to burnout or injury.

Industry analysts suggest several factors contributing to 2025’s surge. Many veteran bands are in their later years, with members facing health challenges or retirement pressures.

The post-pandemic touring boom has amplified fatigue, as seen in Alexander’s and Larkin’s exits.

Creative clashes, amplified by social media, have made disputes more public, as with Starkey’s case.

Additionally, the rise of session musicians like Freese and Rubin facilitates quick replacements, treating drummers as interchangeable in some contexts.

These shifts could signal a broader evolution in rock. As bands like The Who and Iron Maiden near retirement, new drummers inject fresh energy, potentially influencing sound and performance.

For emerging acts, the trend underscores the drummer’s critical yet undervalued role—often the backbone, but first to face scrutiny when the beat falters. As 2025 progresses, more changes may occur, but the resilience of rock endures. Whether through farewells or new beginnings, the rhythm section remains essential, driving the genre forward amid uncertainty.