Zak Starkey, the drummer son of Ringo Starr, says he was “surprised and saddened” over reports that drama forced him from the Who after nearly three decades with the English rock band.

The 59-year-old percussionist said in a statement to People Wednesday that he “suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf” at the start of the year, though that’s “now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.”

British outlets reported that Starkey was axed due to a March performance at Royal Albert Hall, wherein he was playing too loudly — “overplaying,” as he recently joked on Instagram — making it difficult for lead vocalist Roger Daltrey to “sing to that.”

“I’m very proud of my near 30 years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, ‘uncle Keith’ has been the biggest honor and I remain their biggest fan. They’ve been like family to me,” Starkey said in the statement to People. Original drummer Keith Moon died of an accidental overdose in 1978.

“After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, I’m surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do? … 29 years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.”

Starkey began playing with the “Won’t Get Fooled Again” band in 1996.

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