Since the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne in July, numerous artists have paid tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman, including Geordie Greep, Ghost, and Drake. Concerts have featured covers by bands like System of a Down, Metallica, and Mastodon. However, not everyone has joined in the praise—some voices, including Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and author Stephen King, have openly criticized Black Sabbath, sparking tension within the music community.
Roger Waters Voices Indifference Toward Osbourne and Black Sabbath
In a recent interview with The Independent Ink, Roger Waters discussed culture, politics, and celebrity influence, touching on themes of imperialism and societal distractions. Around the 38-minute mark, Waters referenced Ozzy Osbourne with disdain, dismissing both the man and his music. His comments criticized the spectacle surrounding Osbourne’s persona rather than his artistic contributions.
“Or Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him — in his whatever that state that he was in his whole life, we’ll never know,”
Waters said.
“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 fuck. I don’t care about Black Sabbath. I never did. I have no interest in,”
he added mockingly,
“biting the heads off chickens or whatever they do. I couldn’t care less.”
Jack Osbourne Responds with Anger to Waters’ Remarks
Ozzy Osbourne’s son, Jack Osbourne, reacted swiftly and angrily to Waters’ statements on Instagram. He condemned Waters for his disrespectful comments toward his late father and accused the former Pink Floyd star of seeking attention through provocative statements. Jack’s response reflected the strong emotions stirred by these public criticisms.
“Fuck you. How pathetic and out of touch you’ve become. The only way you seem to get attention these days is by vomiting out bullshit in the press. My father always thought you were a cunt – thanks for proving him right.”
—Jack Osbourne
Stephen King‘s Disapproval Adds to the Criticism
Alongside Roger Waters’ comments, Stephen King has also expressed his dislike of Black Sabbath, further fueling debate about the band’s legacy. While many celebrate the influence of Black Sabbath on heavy metal and rock, figures like King articulate a contrasting view, underscoring the mixed reactions to the band’s impact.
Ongoing Debate Highlights Polarizing Legacy
The sharp criticism of Black Sabbath by prominent figures such as Roger Waters and Stephen King, juxtaposed with widespread tributes from other musicians, illustrates the complex legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and his band. This debate not only reflects differing musical tastes but also broader tensions around cultural icons and their significance. As fans and critics continue to engage in these discussions, the impact of Osbourne’s career remains a contentious subject within the rock community.
