United Kingdom, April 17 -- Zak Starkey is "surprised and saddened" about his departure from The Who.

The 59-year-old drummer parted ways with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend after almost 30 years following their two Teenage Cancer Trust concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall last month and in a statement, he has revealed how upset he is at the development.

He told The Mirror: "I'm very proud of my near thirty years with The Who. Filling the shoes of my Godfather, 'uncle Keith' has been the biggest honour and I remain their biggest fan. They've been like family to me. In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running....