Judas Priest Unleash Thunderous “War Pigs” Cover: A Powerful Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath
Heavy metal giants Judas Priest have released a blistering cover of the legendary Black Sabbath track “War Pigs,” paying heartfelt homage to the pioneers of heavy metal and their iconic frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The release comes just days before Black Sabbath’s highly anticipated “Back to the Beginning” farewell show in Birmingham on July 5, where Ozzy will perform five songs in what promises to be an emotional send-off.
Judas Priest’s version of “War Pigs” channels the raw intensity and classic doom-laden atmosphere of the original while stamping it with their signature twin-guitar attack and Rob Halford’s unmistakable vocals. The cover has been met with an outpouring of enthusiasm from fans across the globe, who view it as a respectful and powerful tribute from one of metal’s most enduring bands to the genre’s originators.
In a statement shared by Kerrang!, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford said, “We’re honoured to show our love and respect for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with this cover. Sabbath are the foundation of everything we do. ‘War Pigs’ is more than just a song — it’s a statement, and we wanted to honour it with the energy and passion it deserves.”
The release of the cover coincides with a wave of tributes being made across the rock and metal world ahead of the Black Sabbath farewell concert. Ozzy Osbourne, who has battled health issues in recent years, is expected to deliver a short but impactful set alongside Tony Iommi and others, marking what could be the final performance of one of metal’s most influential figures.
Judas Priest, who hail from the same Midlands region as Sabbath, have long shared a deep connection with their fellow Birmingham legends. Both bands helped define the early heavy metal sound in the 1970s and remained dominant forces throughout the decades that followed. This latest tribute underscores that shared legacy and the mutual respect between the two titans.
The “War Pigs” cover comes amid a busy year for Judas Priest, who released their latest album Invincible Shield earlier in 2024 and continue to tour globally. The band has been riding a wave of critical acclaim for their latest work, proving that their fire is far from fading even after more than five decades in the game.
Fans can stream the “War Pigs” cover on major platforms now, with a special limited-edition vinyl version set to drop later this summer. The track will also be featured in a Kerrang!-curated playlist dedicated to celebrating Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s enduring legacy.
With this powerful tribute, Judas Priest have once again reminded the world of metal’s unbreakable brotherhood — and the enduring power of one of the greatest protest songs ever written. “War Pigs” lives on, not just as a Sabbath anthem, but now as a torch passed proudly from one metal generation to another.
