Heavy metal legends Judas Priest have unleashed a blistering new take on Black Sabbath’s timeless “War Pigs,” paying homage to their lifelong friends and fellow pioneers of metal.
“It’s our way of showing love and respect for Ozzy and Sabbath,” the band shared. “‘War Pigs’ is more than just a song—it’s a rallying cry that fans around the world sing with us every night, celebrating the legendary Prince of Darkness.”
The cover isn’t just a random nod to Sabbath. For over a decade, Judas Priest have used “War Pigs” as their walk-on anthem, a tradition that electrifies venues before the first note of their set. Frontman Rob Halford’s connection to the track runs even deeper, having stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne to perform it live with Black Sabbath in 2004 when Ozzy was too ill to take the stage.
Originally featured on Sabbath’s groundbreaking 1970 album Paranoid, “War Pigs” remains one of metal’s most potent anti-war anthems. Judas Priest’s powerful reinterpretation not only honors its legacy but also sets the tone for the highly anticipated Back to the Beginning concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England, which will celebrate both Ozzy and the enduring Sabbath legacy.
Billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance, the concert’s lineup is stacked with rock giants, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and the long-awaited reunion of Black Sabbath’s original members, promising an unforgettable night for heavy music fans.
Although Judas Priest won’t be performing at the Birmingham tribute due to their commitment to the Scorpions’ 60th-anniversary show in Hannover, Germany, Halford expressed his heartbreak over missing the historic moment, saying he was “gutted” to not be there in person.
For fans who want to witness metal history, Back to the Beginning will stream live globally, allowing viewers to join the celebration of Sabbath’s unparalleled influence from anywhere in the world. Access passes and streaming details are available on the official event website, ensuring no metalhead has to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime tribute.
