Roger Waters recently responded to Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan’s attempt to reconcile him with David Draiman. He firmly rejected the peace offering in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The Pink Floyd co-founder’s response came after Corgan asked Draiman to be open to dialogue with Waters during his podcast, The Magnificent Others.
“Dear Billy Corgan; How are you? It’s been too long,” Waters said. “David Draiman, someone forwarded me this chap’s appearance on your podcast. I’d never heard of him.”
Waters continued his pointed response. He addressed Draiman’s stance on his human rights advocacy.
“Anyway, it turns out he has heard of me,” he said. “It seems he has a problem with me standing up for human rights. You, being the lovely fella you are gave this little piece of shit a chance to clarify or even modify his position. He did.”
The musician concluded with a definitive rejection of any potential reconciliation.
“If you, my friend are wondering if I want a conversation with this obnoxious little prick? The answer is non merci Billy, life’s too short,” Waters stated. “He can inhabit his tiny corner of hell without the benefit of my love and truth.”
Draiman responded to Waters’ post. He expressed disappointment but maintained his openness to dialogue despite their disagreements. Draiman said, “And here I was open to dialogue, even with someone I so deeply disagree with. Honestly Roger Waters, this is the reaction I unfortunately expected. It’s disappointing, but predictable. Be brave Roger. Blessed are the peacemakers, right? I’m always willing to try. We must all continue to try. Even with you.”
This public exchange represents the latest chapter in an ongoing ideological clash between the two musicians that has intensified over recent years.
The core disagreement between Waters and Draiman stems from their opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Draiman, the Israeli-American frontman of Disturbed, has fiercely defended Israel. He has criticized Waters’ rhetoric as antisemitic.
Billy Corgan’s attempt at reconciliation came during Episode #17 of his podcast “The Magnificent Others,” which aired on March 12, 2026. The podcast, launched in 2025, focuses on spirituality, personal growth, and cultural reconciliation. During the episode featuring Draiman, Corgan mediated by praising Waters’ musical genius while critiquing his “one-sided” activism. He then pivoted to Draiman’s call for dialogue. Corgan explicitly proposed reaching out to Waters for a three-way reconciliation talk. He framed it as a “magnificent” step toward unity.
“Roger won’t sit with me because he can’t face real debate—his activism thrives on echo chambers,” Draiman predicted on the podcast, anticipating Waters’ refusal.
