In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and deep respect for their heavy metal brotherhood, Judas Priest has officially released a studio recording of Black Sabbath‘s quintessential anthem, “War Pigs.” The timeless 1970 track, which has served as Judas Priest‘s ceremonial walk-on song and a beloved live staple since 2011, now receives a formal tribute as Black Sabbath prepares for its monumental final concert this weekend in their shared hometown of Birmingham. You can listen to the cover down below.
Judas Priest issued a statement regarding their rendition, declaring, “We are honoured to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with our homage of ‘War Pigs’. It’s a song we play at every show around the world that fans sing along to reinforcing their love as well for the legendary Prince Of Darkness!!”
However, despite this profound gesture of admiration, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford will regrettably not be present at Black Sabbath‘s historic farewell. Halford openly admitted to being “gutted” by the scheduling conflict, explaining that he was unaware of Sabbath‘s “Back To The Beginning” event until after Judas Priest had committed to performing alongside Scorpions in Hannover, Germany, on the very same night, July 5th, for the German hard rock band’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Halford detailed the unfortunate timing: “I had no idea it was happening. We’ve known this guy Ossy Hoppe – he’s like a god in Germany for metal – [and] he came in to see me at one of our last shows and says, ‘Would you consider doing something really special and important? I’m putting on the Scorpions for their 60th anniversary, in their hometown. Would you work with the band?’ I was just like, ‘Done! We’ve got no plans it’s all good.’ It all got announced… and suddenly I get this phone call [from Sharon Osbourne, saying]: ‘Robbie, I know you’ve got this gig with Scorpions, but could you consider coming over to do a thing with Ozzy and the guys, he’d love to see you.’” Despite Sharon Osbourne‘s generous offer to facilitate his travel, logistical complexities made the dual performance impossible.
Black Sabbath‘s farewell spectacle at Villa Park in Birmingham is set to be an unparalleled gathering of metal and rock titans. The bill boasts an incredible lineup including Tool, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Anthrax, Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Guns N’ Roses, KoRn, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and surviving Soundgarden members. Crucially, the event will see Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward perform together for the first time in two decades. Despite recent health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple surgeries, Ozzy Osbourne has affirmed his dedication to the show, stating he is “giving 120 percent” in preparation, promising to do “little bits and pieces” with Sabbath where he feels comfortable.
