Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Roger Waters

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Roger Waters.

Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and one of the founding members of the rock band Pink Floyd. He initially served as the band's bassist. After Syd Barrett's departure in 1968, Waters took on the roles of lyricist, co-lead vocalist, and conceptual leader. He guided Pink Floyd's creative direction until his departure in 1985, leaving a lasting impact on the band's music and thematic content.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

1980: Waters begins using Nazi-inspired uniforms in performances

Since 1980, Waters has used Nazi-inspired uniforms in performances, which only recently began attracting controversy.

2010: Waters Emails Regarding Pig Design

In 2010, Roger Waters described his idea for the inflatable pig design for his gigs in an email, which included offensive words. He claimed it was to show the evils of fascism and extremism.

December 2013: Waters Compares Israeli Treatment of Palestinians to Nazi Germany

In December 2013, Roger Waters compared the Israeli treatment of Palestinians to Nazi Germany in an interview with CounterPunch. He also claimed the "Jewish lobby" was powerful in the music industry. These remarks led to accusations of antisemitism.

2013: Waters Accused of Antisemitism for Pig Balloon Imagery

In 2013, Rabbi Abraham Cooper accused Roger Waters of antisemitism for including a giant pig balloon bearing a Star of David in his concerts, which Waters defended as one of several religious and political symbols.

2015: Waters Criticizes Bon Jovi for Performing in Tel Aviv

In 2015, Roger Waters published an open letter in Salon criticizing the rock band Bon Jovi for performing in Tel Aviv.

2017: Waters Urges Radiohead and Nick Cave to Cancel Concerts in Israel

In 2017, Roger Waters urged Radiohead to cancel a concert in Israel, signing a letter with 50 others. He also co-signed an open letter asking Nick Cave to cancel his concert, but neither act complied.

2017: Waters Likens Israel's Public Diplomacy to Nazi Germany and Faces Accusations of Antisemitism

In a 2017 interview with Omar Barghouti, Roger Waters likened Israel's public diplomacy to Nazi Germany. That same year, Ian Halperin released a documentary, "Wish You Weren't Here", accusing Waters of antisemitism.

2020: MLB stops advertising Waters's concerts after criticism from Jewish advocacy groups

In 2020, Major League Baseball stopped advertising Roger Waters's "This Is Not a Drill" concerts after receiving criticism from Jewish advocacy groups. Later that year, Waters made controversial statements about Sheldon Adelson and the murder of George Floyd.

February 2022: Waters Calls Russia Invasion Rumors "Bullshit"

A week before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Roger Waters told an RT interviewer that rumours of Russia launching an invasion were "bullshit" and Russophobic propaganda.

February 2023: Frankfurt Cancels Waters's Show Amid Antisemitism Accusations

On 25 February 2023, the German city of Frankfurt cancelled one of Roger Waters's scheduled shows, citing antisemitism accusations. Waters challenged the cancellation in court and won.

May 2023: Waters Responds to Criticism in UK Parliament

In May 2023, Labour MP Christian Wakeford criticized Roger Waters's shows in the UK parliament. Waters responded at a London concert, using derogatory language and accusing critics of being influenced by the "Israeli lobby".

September 2023: Documentary alleging antisemitism by Waters released

In September 2023, the documentary "The Dark Side of Roger Waters", alleging antisemitism by Waters, was released. It included accounts from past collaborators, who said Waters made offensive remarks about Jewish people. Waters responded that he was "mouthy" but not antisemitic.

November 2023: Hotels Cancel Waters' Reservations in Buenos Aires

In November 2023, the Faena Hotel and the Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires cancelled Roger Waters' reservations without giving a reason, following an interview where he made controversial statements about the October 7 attacks.

2023: Nova music festival massacre

In February 2024, Roger Waters criticized U2 singer Bono for dedicating a performance of "Pride (In the Name of Love)" to those killed in the 2023 Nova music festival massacre. Waters called Bono's actions disgusting and degrading.

2023: Waters Criticizes Pink Floyd and Faces Accusations of Antisemitism

In early 2023, Roger Waters criticized Pink Floyd's 2022 track "Hey, Hey, Rise Up!", leading to Polly Samson accusing him of antisemitism on Twitter. David Gilmour supported Samson's statement. Waters responded with a statement acknowledging the accusations.

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January 2024: BMG music company cancels publishing agreement with Waters

In January 2024, the BMG music company cancelled a publishing agreement with Roger Waters over his comments on Israel, Ukraine and the United States.

February 2024: Waters Criticizes Bono's Dedication to Nova Music Festival Victims

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July 2024: Waters Debates Piers Morgan and Criticizes Keir Starmer

In July 2024, Roger Waters debated Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored, making controversial statements about Israel and Hamas. During the UK general election, Waters criticized Labour leader Keir Starmer and performed a pro-Palestine concert in London.

February 2025: Court Rules Waters' Comments Antisemitic and Defamatory

On 25 February 2025, a London High Court judge ruled that Roger Waters' comments were antisemitic and defamatory in a libel case filed by John Ware. The case was advanced towards trial.