Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford has revealed that Ozzy Osbourne “really loved” their cover of the Black Sabbath classic “War Pigs” and personally “gave it his blessing” just weeks before his passing. In a new interview with Metal Hammer, the Metal God shared the poignant, behind-the-scenes story of how the tribute track evolved into Osbourne‘s final vocal performance, all for charity.
Judas Priest originally recorded the cover as a tribute because they were “gutted” to be missing the historic “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert on July 5, as they were already booked for a show in Germany. Halford has now shared Ozzy‘s heartfelt reaction to hearing their version, as relayed to him by Ozzy‘s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne.
“Apparently Sharon sat with him, he heard it and had this massive smile on his face,” Halford recounted. “He told her he really loved it and gave it his blessing. That was extra special for us.”
That blessing soon evolved into a full-blown collaboration, one that would become Osbourne‘s final studio recording. Ozzy lent his own vocals to a new version of the track, which was released posthumously last month. The project was spearheaded by Sharon Osbourne to raise funds for Parkinson’s disease research, a cause deeply personal to both bands.
“It all just got better and better,” Halford said. “From the original idea, the Priest version and now for this Ozzy version to be out for charity. A lot of it comes down to Sharon, she has these simple ideas that turn into something massive.”
The proceeds from the collaborative single will benefit both Cure Parkinson’s and The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation, named for the Judas Priest guitarist who is also battling the disease.
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, just 17 days after his triumphant final performance in his hometown of Birmingham. In the wake of his death, Judas Priest released a powerful statement of mourning.
“Our hearts are broken like millions around the world. Words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling,” the band wrote. “Sharon, may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace and light. Ozzy, you will never leave us — your music is eternal. God blesses you now more than ever after you blessed us all through your magnificent life.”
