Zak Starkey Wife: Who Is He Married To? (2026)

Zak Starkey, the drummer of The Who and Oasis and son of Ringo Starr, is married to Australian singer Sharna "Sshh" Liguz. They married on March 21, 2022, in West Hollywood after 18 years together. He was previously married to Sarah Menikides.

Who Is Sharna Liguz?

Sharna "Sshh" Liguz is an Australian singer and artist, 19 years younger than Starkey. She performs alongside him in the rock duo Sshh, and the pair co-founded the record label Trojan Jamaica. The couple share a daughter, Luna Lee Lightnin, born in March 2021 — they chose their wedding date of March 21, 2022, to honor her first birthday.

Marriage Timeline

Starkey married his first wife, Sarah Menikides (born 1959), in 1985. They separated in 2006 and divorced in 2021. Their daughter Tatia Jayne was born on September 7, 1985. Starkey began his relationship with Sharna Liguz around 2004. After 18 years together, they married on March 21, 2022, at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, California. Ringo Starr gave his son away, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr served as best men, and reggae musician Pato Banton officiated.

Children

Zak Starkey has two daughters: Tatia Jayne Starkey (born September 7, 1985) with his first wife Sarah Menikides, and Luna Lee Lightnin (born March 2021) with his wife Sharna Liguz. Ringo Starr became a great-grandfather when Tatia's son Stone Zakomo Low was born in August 2016.

Career Highlights

Zak Richard Starkey was born on September 13, 1965, the eldest son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and Maureen Cox. Mentored on drums by The Who's Keith Moon, he has been The Who's touring drummer since 1996 — a tenure of 29 years. He played with Oasis from 2004 to 2008, Johnny Marr and the Healers (2000-2003), the Lightning Seeds, and the Icicle Works, and toured with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band in 1992 and 1995. In 2023 he formed the supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos with Shaun Ryder, Andy Bell, and Bez. In February 2026 he premiered the solo multimedia production Zak Starkey... Who? An Evening of Drums and Conversation at New York's Gramercy Theatre, featuring unseen footage from his personal collection and a Q&A moderated by Marky Ramone.

FAQ

Who is Zak Starkey's wife?

Sharna "Sshh" Liguz, an Australian singer. They married on March 21, 2022.

Who was Zak Starkey's first wife?

Sarah Menikides. They married in 1985, separated in 2006, and divorced in 2021.

How many children does Zak Starkey have?

Two daughters: Tatia Jayne (born 1985) and Luna Lee Lightnin (born 2021).

How long was Zak Starkey The Who's drummer?

He has been The Who's touring drummer since 1996 — a tenure of 29 years.

Does Zak Starkey have siblings?

Yes — Jason Starkey (his younger brother, also a drummer) and Lee Starkey (his sister), Ringo Starr's three children with Maureen Cox.

Is Zak Starkey Ringo Starr's son?

Yes — his eldest son, with Maureen Cox. Ringo gave him away at his 2022 wedding.