The rock music world recently saw a heated controversy involving Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd musician, and the family of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath singer. What started as a few blunt comments in an interview quickly turned into a public argument that caught the attention of fans around the world.
What Started the Controversy
Shortly after Ozzy Osbourne passed away, Roger Waters gave a long interview where he was asked about different musicians and bands. During this interview, Waters made some harsh remarks about Ozzy and Black Sabbath. He said he didn’t care for their music and openly stated that it meant nothing to him. He also made comments mocking Ozzy’s wild stage image, especially the famous bat-biting incident, saying he found such behavior disgusting.
Many people felt the timing of these comments was wrong. Ozzy had just died, and fans and family members were still grieving. Because of this, Waters’ words were seen by many as disrespectful and unnecessary.
Reaction From the Osbourne Family
Ozzy Osbourne’s family did not stay silent. His son Jack Osbourne responded strongly on social media. He called Roger Waters “pathetic and out of touch” and said his father never liked Waters. Jack’s message was emotional and direct, showing how deeply hurt the family felt by the comments.
Ozzy’s wife Sharon Osbourne also reacted publicly. She appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and criticized Waters for speaking negatively about someone who had just passed away. Sharon said that when someone dies and leaves behind family, basic respect should be shown. She even joked angrily about wanting to send something unpleasant to Waters in the mail, before deciding he wasn’t worth the effort. Her comments made it clear that she felt Waters crossed a line.
Roger Waters Responds
Later, Roger Waters appeared on the same TV show, Piers Morgan Uncensored, where he addressed the controversy for the first time. Waters did not deny what he said. Instead, he explained that his comments came during a very long interview and were taken from a wider conversation.
Waters argued that he does not have to like every famous band or musician. He said being honest about his taste in music should not be treated as a crime. He repeated that he has never liked Black Sabbath and doesn’t enjoy the theatrical or shocking behavior often linked to Ozzy’s image.
When asked if he would apologize, Waters said he would apologize to people who were personally hurt, such as Jack Osbourne. However, he made it clear that he had no intention of apologizing to Sharon Osbourne. He criticized her strongly and accused her of attacking him because of his political views, especially his outspoken opinions on global politics.
Waters later tried to soften his original statement slightly by saying that after listening again, Black Sabbath’s music was “acceptable,” but he still disliked the dramatic and shocking behavior associated with Ozzy’s performances.
Does Waters Regret It?
When directly asked if he regretted his original comments about Ozzy Osbourne, Waters was very clear. He said he regrets nothing in his life. Instead of focusing on the argument, he said his biggest regret is not being more successful in helping people understand human rights and equality across the world.
This response showed that Waters sees himself as someone driven by bigger causes, even if his words upset people along the way.
Why This Matters
This controversy highlights how emotional and personal music can be. Ozzy Osbourne was more than just a musician — he was a cultural icon loved by millions. When someone criticizes such a figure shortly after their death, it can feel like a personal attack to fans and family members.
At the same time, the situation also shows the clash of personalities in rock music. Roger Waters has always been known for speaking his mind without concern for public reaction. This incident is another example of how honesty, timing, and respect can collide in the public eye.
In the end, this was not just about music. It became a discussion about respect, grief, freedom of opinion, and how public figures handle sensitive moments.