PINK FLOYD’s official social media accounts have come under fire after sharing a birthday tribute to ROGER WATERS, just days after he made controversial remarks about the late OZZY OSBOURNE. The timing of the post, paired with Waters’ inflammatory comments, ignited a firestorm in the comment sections of Instagram and other platforms.
The backlash illustrates how deeply Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy resonates with rock fans — and how damaging careless words can be, even from legendary figures like Waters.
PINK FLOYD’s Post Celebrates Waters — and Sparks Outrage
On September 6, the official PINK FLOYD Instagram account published a birthday message honoring Roger Waters, who just turned 82. The post also promoted the release of This Is Not A Drill, a recording of Waters’ 2023 tour performance in Prague.
“A very Happy Birthday to Roger Waters, who celebrates his 82nd birthday today. The recording from his 2023 Tour, This Is Not A Drill, performed in Prague, Czech Republic, was recently released in audio and video formats.”
While the message may have seemed routine, many fans were quick to express outrage, referencing Waters’ recent interview where he criticized Ozzy Osbourne and BLACK SABBATH in harsh, dismissive terms.
Fans Speak Out: “Disrespectful and Disheartening”
The response to the post was swift and passionate. One fan wrote:
“I love Pink Floyd. Brilliant musicians, and will always be a favorite of mine. But it’s quite disgusting, disrespectful, and disheartening that Waters would verbally attack Ozzy like he did. Especially when he’s no longer with us.”
Another echoed similar frustration:
“I love Pink Floyd but Roger dissing Ozzy and Sabbath was low. Ozzy Forever!”
Some fans were even more direct in questioning Waters’ state of mind:
“Why did he attack Ozzy??!! Ozzy was a good person. Waters lost his mind long ago.”
It’s clear that many longtime Pink Floyd supporters were left disillusioned — not just by the comments themselves, but by the band’s apparent indifference in choosing to publicly promote Waters so soon afterward.
What Did Roger Waters Say About Ozzy?
The source of the outrage traces back to an interview Roger Waters gave to The Independent Ink, as reported by Alternative Nation. In the interview, Waters made dismissive remarks about both Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away recently, and the band BLACK SABBATH.
Transcribed by Alternative Nation:
“Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him in his whatever that state that he was in his whole life… The music, I have no idea. I couldn’t give a f-ck.”
Waters went on to clarify that he never cared for BLACK SABBATH’s music either:
“I don’t care about Black Sabbath, I never did.”
The blunt nature of the comments, particularly coming so soon after Ozzy’s passing, was seen by many fans as needlessly cruel and insensitive — especially considering the impact that Ozzy and Black Sabbath had on generations of rock fans.
Disrespect to a Rock Legend?
Ozzy Osbourne, the voice of BLACK SABBATH, is widely credited as one of the pioneers of heavy metal. From Paranoid to War Pigs, the band’s influence on hard rock and metal is undeniable. His death left a significant void in the music world, with tributes pouring in from across the globe.
Waters’ tone, however, was anything but reverent.
By saying he “couldn’t give a f-ck,” Waters signaled a complete disregard for Ozzy’s legacy — a move that many fans saw as narcissistic and dismissive of an entire genre.
Timing Makes It Worse
While birthday messages from official band accounts are usually standard PR gestures, the timing of this one amplified the backlash. It came just days after Waters’ controversial statements went public, and fans were still processing their anger.
Critics argue that PINK FLOYD should have acknowledged the controversy — or at the very least, waited before posting what many perceived as a celebratory, tone-deaf tribute.
To some, the post seemed to gloss over the situation entirely, sparking even more outrage in the comments.
Legacy Under Fire
Roger Waters has never been one to shy away from controversy. From his outspoken political views to his long-standing public feuds — including with his former bandmates — he has built a reputation as a divisive figure in music.
But this latest episode may have alienated a broader swath of fans than usual.
Many commenters noted that while they still respect Pink Floyd’s music, their admiration for Waters has waned. A few even called for unfollowing the band’s social media accounts or boycotting his solo work.
Final Thoughts
Roger Waters has every right to his musical opinions — but even icons aren’t immune from the consequences of careless words, especially when they target someone as beloved as Ozzy Osbourne.
For many fans, this controversy is not just about music. It’s about respect, empathy, and knowing when to keep quiet.
And while Pink Floyd’s music will always hold a legendary place in rock history, it’s clear that Roger Waters’ recent remarks have cast a long shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration.
“Ozzy Forever.”