Roger Waters Critiques Bono, Declares Him “Not a Real Rock Star”
Legendary Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, known for his candid and often controversial opinions, recently made waves by targeting U2 frontman Bono. In a recent interview promoting his The Dark Side of the Moon Redux project, Waters discussed his views on contemporary rock icons. To the surprise of many, he singled out Bono as someone he doesn’t regard as a “real rock star.”
Waters, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to rock music, praised the genre’s transformative power but expressed skepticism toward artists he considers overly commercialized or detached from rock’s rebellious spirit. While Waters didn’t deny Bono’s influence or contributions to music, he emphasized that a “real rock star” must embody a countercultural ethos and challenge societal norms—qualities he believes Bono lacks.
“Being a rock star isn’t about stadium anthems or charity galas. It’s about challenging the establishment, not cozying up to it,” Waters reportedly said. Though he didn’t elaborate further, the remark appeared to critique Bono’s longstanding relationships with political figures and global institutions.
The comments have reignited debates about the nature of rock stardom. Bono, widely recognized for his activism and philanthropy, has been both celebrated and criticized for blending music with high-profile political advocacy. Fans of U2 were quick to defend the Irish musician, citing his role in defining modern rock and his humanitarian efforts as proof of his enduring relevance.
Waters, no stranger to controversy, has a history of making polarizing statements. His latest remarks continue to highlight the divide between rock’s old guard and the evolution of the genre in the 21st century. While it’s unlikely that Bono will publicly respond, the conversation sparked by Waters’s critique underscores rock’s ongoing identity crisis in a rapidly changing musical l
andscape.
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