A storm of “Rock Rivalry” has erupted after Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters made disparaging comments about the late Ozzy Osbourne and his band Black Sabbath. Jack Osbourne, Ozzy’s son, didn’t hold back in his fiery response, publicly condemning Waters’ remarks as “pathetic and out of touch.” The controversy, sparked by an interview with The Independent Ink, has ignited a fierce debate among fans and fellow musicians alike.
Waters’ Disparaging Remarks
The controversy stems from an interview Roger Waters, 81, gave to The Independent Ink in August. In the interview, Waters made several dismissive comments about Ozzy Osbourne, who recently passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. According to The Independent Ink, Waters stated, “Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him in his whatever that state that he was in his whole life. We’ll never know. The music, I have no idea. I couldn’t give a f—.”
Waters didn’t stop there. He went on to express his disdain for Black Sabbath, saying he “never cared about Black Sabbath” and had “no interest in biting the heads off chickens or whatever they do.” He also criticized Ozzy’s television persona on “The Osbournes,” labeling it as “idiocy and nonsense.” When corrected that Ozzy famously bit the head off a bat, not a chicken, Waters reportedly exclaimed, “That’s even worse!” as reported by multiple outlets including The Express Tribune and HELLO!
Jack Osbourne’s Fiery Rebuttal
Jack Osbourne, understandably incensed by Waters’ comments about his late father, took to his Instagram Stories on September 2, 2025, to voice his outrage. His message, as reported by BLABBERMOUTH.NET and other news outlets, was direct and unflinching. “Hey [Roger Waters], f— you. How pathetic and out of touch you’ve become,” Osbourne wrote. “The only way you seem to get attention these days is by vomiting out bulls— in the press. My father always thought you were a c— – thanks for proving him right.” He concluded his message with a clown emoji and the hashtag “#f—rogerwaters.”
A History of Disdain
The roots of Waters’ animosity towards Ozzy Osbourne appear to run deep. According to Louder Sound, Waters reportedly gave a negative review of Black Sabbath’s debut single, “Evil Woman,” as far back as 1970. This long-standing disdain, coupled with Waters’ recent remarks made shortly after Ozzy’s death, likely fueled Jack Osbourne’s strong reaction. Waters made these remarks while discussing how pop culture figures could distract the public from important political issues, according to People Magazine.
Generational Rock Rivalry
This public spat has ignited what many are calling a “generational rock rivalry.” Fans have taken to social media to express their opinions, with many condemning Waters’ remarks as insensitive and disrespectful. Men’s Journal reports that the online discussion has been heated, with fans on both sides weighing in on the controversy. The debate highlights the enduring legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, as well as the often-contentious nature of artistic criticism.
The Aftermath
As of the latest reports from sources like Clash Magazine and International Business Times UK, Roger Waters has yet to respond directly to Jack Osbourne’s comments. The silence from Waters has only further fueled the online debate, with many speculating about his potential response. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of words, particularly in the age of social media, and the importance of respecting the legacies of influential artists.
The controversy continues to generate headlines, with outlets like The Mirror, The Times of India, Loudwire, and Ultimate Classic Rock all reporting on the ongoing feud. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of artists in society, the nature of criticism, and the importance of respecting the recently deceased. The “Rock Rivalry” between the Osbourne family and Roger Waters is far from over, and the world awaits Waters’ response.
In conclusion, the public feud between Jack Osbourne and Roger Waters highlights the enduring impact of Ozzy Osbourne’s music and legacy. Waters’ dismissive comments sparked a fierce defense from Jack, igniting a “generational rock rivalry” that continues to resonate online. The incident underscores the power of words and the importance of respecting artistic legacies, especially in the wake of loss.
