Judas Priest Pays Fiery Tribute to Black Sabbath Ahead of ‘Back to the Beginning’ Finale
As Black Sabbath’s original lineup readies for its historic reunion at Villa Park this Saturday (July 5), Judas Priest has delivered a stirring salute to their hometown heroes—and heavy metal pioneers. Though the Metal Gods won’t take the Villa Park stage, they’ve released a thunderous studio cover of Sabbath’s epic “War Pigs,” a monumental gesture echoing deep respect and solidarity.
Metal Royalty Salute the “Prince of Darkness”
Judas Priest—comprising Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner, Andy Sneap, Ian Hill, and Scott Travis—unveiled an official “War Pigs” cover, clocking in at over eight minutes. The track, a Sabbath classic from 1970’s Paranoid, has long served as Priest’s pre‑show intro. Now, it returns in full force as a standalone cover. Priest explained, “We are honored to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with our homage of ‘War Pigs’ … reinforcing their love as well for the legendary Prince of Darkness.”
Rob Halford, candid in Metal Hammer, expressed his profound disappointment at missing Sabbath’s farewell: “I was absolutely gutted” when initially invited yet unable to adjust due to a pre‑booked Scorpions gig in Hannover on the same day . Yet the heartfelt tribute stands as testament to the mutual bond forged in Birmingham’s crucible of metal.
Sabbath Prepares for Grand Reunion
This week, anticipation has reached fever pitch in the band’s birthplace, as Ozzy Osbourne (76), Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward prepare for their first performance together in 20 years. The event, aptly named Back to the Beginning, marks Black Sabbath’s—and Ozzy’s—final concert, an emotional homecoming and farewell rolled into one .
Curated by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, the lineup is stacked: Sabbath will close an epic, 10‑hour roster featuring Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Guns N’ Roses, and more . Ticket demand soared—42,000 sold out in mere minutes—underscoring the global reverence for Sabbath’s legacy .
A Resonant Gesture
Priest’s “War Pigs” cover resounds on multiple levels. For Sabbath, it’s a stirring prelude to their dramatic exit. For Priest, it’s a homegrown recognition of the spark that ignited a genre. Halford noted the symbolic gravity: “We play that song at every show around the world… fans sing along, reinforcing their love for the legendary Prince of Darkness” .
The song’s weighty themes of war, authority, and corruption hold potent resonance for both bands—themes that defined Sabbath’s blueprint and fueled Priest’s own rise. It’s a shared musical heritage reflected in every blistering guitar riff and unwavering beat.
Looking Ahead
As Sabbath’s final act draws near, Priest’s tribute fuels the emotional core of an already historic weekend. The concert will serve as the first time Ozzy and the original lineup fill the stage together since disbanding in 2005. It’s a moment of catharsis and closure—as Sabbath returns, full circle, back to the beginning.
Priest’s release isn’t just a tribute—it’s a passing of the torch, a rekindling of the flame born in Birmingham’s working-class streets more than five decades ago. With “War Pigs,” they’ve paid homage, reminded fans of Sabbath’s enduring impact, and set a powerful tone for one of metal’s most poignant finales.
