Scott Travis Says Judas Priest Will Release ‘War Pigs’ Featuring Both Ozzy Osbourne And Rob Halford On Vocals

Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis has shared a rare look into the band’s relationship with Ozzy Osbourne, revealing that a future release may feature a unique collaboration between the two metal legends. Speaking with the “Rock of Nations With Dave Kinchen and Shane McEachern” podcast, Travis said that a version of Judas Priest‘s recently released “War Pigs” cover may feature Ozzy‘s voice alongside Rob Halford‘s.

The cover of Black Sabbath‘s classic song was originally recorded as a tribute to Ozzy after Judas Priest had to decline an invitation to perform at Sabbath‘s final concert on July 5 in Birmingham. Travis explained that the band was already committed to performing at the Scorpions‘ 60th-anniversary show in Germany on the same day. “We couldn’t do the Ozzy thing,” he said. With Sharon Osbourne‘s blessing, the band recorded their own version of “War Pigs” to honor their friends.

Travis revealed that the band is now working on a special version of the track. “I think there’s a version coming out with Ozzy actually singing on that version,” he said. “In other words, Rob will sing a verse and then Ozzy sings a verse. I think that’s coming out.”

The news comes after Ozzy’s tragic death on July 22. Travis noted that the cover was recorded well before Ozzy‘s passing. “That was kind of weird that we were able to do that,” he said. Rob Halford also spoke about Ozzy‘s death in a separate interview with Detroit’s WRIF radio station, describing his grief but also emphasizing the need to celebrate Ozzy‘s life and legacy. “We have to celebrate — we have to celebrate,” Halford said. “That’s the way of helping you through the grief. You think about the memories, you think about the joy, you think about the good times, and that’s what we will always do with Ozzy.”

Halford and Ozzy shared a long history, with Halford even filling in for Ozzy on a few occasions with Black Sabbath in 2004. Halford said he was “in awe” of Ozzy, and that their connection would “never be severed.”