Roger Waters, the co-founder and bassist of Pink Floyd, has stirred up controversy once again with his blunt comments about Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. In a recent conversation with The Independent Ink, Waters dismissed both the legendary frontman and the pioneering heavy metal band, sparking debate across the rock community.
Roger Waters on Ozzy Osbourne
When asked about his thoughts on Ozzy Osbourne, Waters showed little interest in acknowledging the late musician’s contributions to rock and heavy metal.
“Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him in his whatever that state that he was in his whole life. We’ll never know,” Waters remarked. “Although he was all over the TV for hundreds of years with his idiocy and nonsense. The music, I have no idea. I couldn’t give a f*ck.”
The comment, dismissive of both Osbourne’s personality and his work, shocked fans who regard the “Prince of Darkness” as one of the most influential figures in rock history.
Waters on Black Sabbath
Waters did not stop there. He extended his criticism to Black Sabbath as a whole, the band widely credited with laying the foundation for heavy metal.
“I don’t care about Black Sabbath, I never did,” he continued. “I have no interest in biting the heads of chickens or whatever they do. I couldn’t care less, you know.”
This harsh perspective highlights a deep divide between Waters’ progressive rock background and the darker, heavier sound that Black Sabbath popularized.
A Stark Contrast in Legacies
The remarks underscore the stark differences between progressive rock and heavy metal, two genres that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s and often attracted very different audiences. While Pink Floyd became known for conceptual albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, Black Sabbath forged a path that gave rise to generations of metal bands.
Despite Waters’ comments, Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy continues to be celebrated worldwide. From his years as Black Sabbath’s frontman to his solo career and enduring cultural presence, Osbourne’s influence remains deeply embedded in rock and metal history.
The Fallout
Fans of both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are unlikely to take Waters’ remarks lightly. While some may dismiss his comments as personal taste, others see them as an unnecessary jab at two cornerstones of heavy music.
Waters’ words remind us that even within the world of rock legends, musical opinions can differ dramatically. His dismissal contrasts sharply with the near-universal recognition of Osbourne’s impact on shaping the sound and spirit of rock and heavy metal.
