ROGER WATERS Criticizes OZZY OSBOURNE, Calls His Career “IDIOCY and NONSENSE”
The music world was stunned this week after Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters launched an unprovoked and scathing attack on Ozzy Osbourne, just weeks after the legendary heavy metal icon passed away at the age of 76. Waters, known for his outspoken views on politics and society, shocked fans by dismissing Osbourne’s life, career, and musical legacy as “idiocy and nonsense.”
The remarks were made during a wide-ranging interview with The Independent Ink, where Waters was discussing how popular culture often distracts the public from pressing global issues. But what began as a general commentary on celebrity culture quickly spiraled into a personal tirade aimed at Osbourne, sparking outrage among fans and family members of the late Black Sabbath frontman.
From Commentary to Controversy
Waters began his criticism while roleplaying as what he described as a “person of power,” imagining how elites manipulate the masses.
“How can we push this to one side?” Waters asked rhetorically. “I know how to do it! We’ll do it with Taylor Swift, or bubble gum, or Kim Kardashian’s bum.”
But then, the 80-year-old musician shifted from satire to sharp critique, turning his attention to Osbourne.
“… Or Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him, in his, whatever that state that he was in his whole life, we’ll never know,” Waters said dismissively. “Although, he was all over the TV for hundreds of years with his idiocy and nonsense.”
The comment, delivered with apparent disdain, left the interviewer stunned. But Waters wasn’t finished.
“I Don’t Care About Black Sabbath”
Taking direct aim at Osbourne’s music, Waters doubled down on his criticism.
“The music, I have no idea, I couldn’t give a f*ck,” Waters said. “I don’t care about Black Sabbath, I never did, I have no interest in… ‘Wahhhh!!!’” he continued, sticking his tongue out and mimicking a shriek that resembled Gene Simmons of KISS more than Osbourne himself.
Waters then added: “And biting the heads off chickens or whatever they do. I couldn’t care less.”
When the interviewer corrected him, noting that Osbourne had infamously bitten the head off a bat during a 1982 concert, Waters grew even more disgusted.
“Oh my God, that’s even worse, isn’t it?” he said. “I don’t know, is it worse to bite the head off a bat or a chicken?”
The remarks instantly ricocheted across the internet, sparking anger from Osbourne’s loyal fan base.
Jack Osbourne Fires Back
It didn’t take long for the Osbourne family to respond. On Tuesday (September 2), Jack Osbourne, Ozzy’s son, took to social media to defend his late father and fire back at Waters with unfiltered fury.
“Hey Roger Waters — fck you,” Jack wrote. “How pathetic and out of touch you’ve become. The only way you seem to get attention these days is by vomiting out bullsht in the press. My father always thought you were a c**t — thanks for proving him right. #f*ckrockerwaters.”
Jack’s comments struck a chord with fans, many of whom applauded his passionate defense of his father. Within hours, his post went viral, drawing thousands of likes, shares, and comments.
Fans React: Outrage and Defensiveness
Reactions from fans of both Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath have been divided, though the overwhelming majority condemned Waters’ remarks as cruel and unnecessary.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “Roger Waters mocking a man who just died and dismissing his entire career? That’s not edgy. That’s disgraceful.”
Another added: “Ozzy was a pioneer. Without him, heavy metal as we know it wouldn’t exist. Waters should be ashamed.”
On Reddit, debates raged between fans of Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath, with some arguing that Waters’ comments were an extension of his long history of controversial statements, while others insisted that the timing—so soon after Osbourne’s passing—was “beyond tasteless.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy
For decades, Ozzy Osbourne was more than just a musician—he was a cultural phenomenon. As the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, he helped pioneer heavy metal in the late 1960s and 1970s, inspiring generations of bands that followed.
His solo career, marked by hits like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, cemented his status as the “Prince of Darkness.” Beyond music, his larger-than-life personality and role on MTV’s The Osbournes turned him into a household name across the world.
While critics often ridiculed his wild antics—such as the infamous bat-biting incident—fans saw him as a trailblazer who redefined rock music. To dismiss his legacy as “idiocy and nonsense,” many argue, is to ignore decades of cultural impact.
Roger Waters’ Long History of Provocation
This is hardly the first time Roger Waters has found himself at the center of controversy. The former Pink Floyd frontman has made headlines in recent years for incendiary political remarks, his outspoken criticism of Israel, and clashes with fellow musicians.
Some observers suggest that Waters’ comments about Osbourne reflect his broader disdain for what he sees as “distractions” in modern culture. Yet, critics counter that his remarks were less about societal critique and more about needlessly tearing down a fellow legend.
A Clash of Icons
The feud highlights the ongoing tension between two very different musical legacies. Waters, known for his cerebral lyrics and progressive rock masterpieces like The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon, represents one of the most intellectual sides of rock.
Osbourne, by contrast, embodied the raw energy, theatricality, and rebellion of heavy metal. Where Waters dissected society through concept albums, Osbourne inspired millions with visceral performances and larger-than-life showmanship.
For many, both men contributed enormously to music in their own ways. To see one icon dismiss another so flippantly has left fans saddened, confused, and angry.
The Final Word
As the backlash continues, the question remains whether Waters will stand by his remarks or issue an apology. For now, his attack on Osbourne has reignited debates not only about the two musicians’ legacies but also about the respect owed to artists who have passed away.
One thing is certain: Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on rock and metal remains undeniable, regardless of Waters’ critique. As Jack Osbourne so forcefully reminded the world, his father’s legacy is celebrated by millions—far beyond the reach of one dismissive interview.
