Roger Waters Defends Remarks About Ozzy Osbourne, Says He Has No Regrets
Roger Waters has stood by controversial comments he made about the late Ozzy Osbourne, saying he does not regret the tone or substance of his remarks despite backlash from Osbourne’s family and fans.
The renewed attention follows a recent interview in which Waters was asked to address statements he made shortly after Osbourne’s death last summer. At the time, Waters dismissed Osbourne’s musical legacy and said he had no interest in his work, adding that he never cared for Black Sabbath or its aesthetic. The remarks were widely criticized as insensitive, given their timing.
Osbourne’s son, Jack Osbourne, responded forcefully on social media, accusing Waters of being out of touch and using provocation to remain relevant. The Osbourne family later amplified the criticism by briefly releasing merchandise mocking Waters, underscoring how personally the comments were received.
In a new interview with Piers Morgan, Waters was asked whether he regretted making such remarks so soon after Osbourne’s death. He acknowledged that the comments were part of a longer conversation but rejected the idea that he owed anyone an apology. Waters said he did not believe he was obligated to admire every major rock act and questioned why personal musical taste should be subject to public moral scrutiny.
Waters also made clear that he would not apologize to Sharon Osbourne, citing long-standing political disagreements between them. He characterized their conflict as rooted in ideological differences rather than personal animosity and suggested that her reaction to his remarks was unsurprising given their history of public disputes.
While Waters declined to walk back his original comments, he struck a more measured tone when discussing the rest of the Osbourne family. He said he would be open to a private conversation with Jack Osbourne if one were to take place and emphasized that he would not approach such a discussion with hostility.
The exchange highlights Waters’ continued willingness to speak bluntly, even when his opinions provoke controversy. Long known for combining music with outspoken political and cultural commentary, the former Pink Floyd bassist has repeatedly found himself at the center of public disputes in recent years, particularly over his views on geopolitics and the music industry.
Osbourne, who died at 75, was widely celebrated for his role in shaping heavy metal as both a solo artist and the frontman of Black Sabbath. Tributes from across the music world emphasized his influence, resilience, and cultural impact. Against that backdrop, Waters’ comments stood out for their dismissive tone, fueling debate about respect, timing, and the responsibilities of public figures when speaking about recently deceased peers.
