Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has publicly criticized Roger Waters over remarks he made about Ozzy Osbourne following the metal icon’s death. Sweet shared a strongly worded message on Facebook, taking issue with what he viewed as a cold and insensitive response to Ozzy’s passing.
In his post, Sweet contrasted different ways artists choose to speak their minds, arguing that honesty should still come with empathy and responsibility.
“Some people are brutally honest yet deliver the message with compassion and integrity,” Sweet wrote. “Others (like this guy, Roger Waters), do so without empathy for others and then try to justify it. As if it’s right and perfectly fine. It’s not.”
Sweet went on to explain that Waters’ comments struck him as especially inappropriate given the moment, suggesting that the former Pink Floyd member failed to show basic respect.
“Hearing Roger Waters cold words about Ozzy made me think that some people don’t deserve what they have,” he continued. “They abuse their responsibility and then think that everyone else is irresponsible. Cold, hard and brutal.”
The Stryper singer also framed his reaction through a spiritual lens, something that has long been central to both his music and public statements.
“Maybe Roger will find Jesus,” Sweet added. “God bless The Osbourne Family.”
Sweet’s comments come amid an outpouring of tributes from across the rock and metal world following Ozzy Osbourne’s death. Many musicians have highlighted Ozzy’s influence, generosity, and impact on multiple generations of artists, making Waters’ remarks stand out as particularly divisive.
Waters previously said about Ozzy following his death, “Ozzy Osbourne, who just died, bless him in his whatever that state that he was in his whole life. We’ll never know. 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.”
Roger Waters has long been a polarizing figure known for blunt opinions and controversial public statements. However, Sweet’s reaction reflects a broader sentiment among fans and fellow musicians who believe the moment called for compassion rather than provocation.
By speaking out, Sweet aligned himself firmly with the Osbourne family and those mourning Ozzy’s passing, emphasizing that legacy and influence should be acknowledged with respect — especially at the end of a life that shaped the history of heavy music.
