In a powerful gesture of respect and admiration for their fellow heavy metal pioneers, Judas Priest has officially unleashed their cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic anti-war anthem, “War Pigs.” The release comes just days ahead of what is being billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert and Black Sabbath’s farewell performance in their hometown of Birmingham, England.
Judas Priest shared the cover with a heartfelt statement, proclaiming: “We are honoured to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with our homage of ‘War Pigs’ – 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!”
War Pigs,” originally the opening track on Black Sabbath’s seminal 1970 album *Paranoid*, has long been a staple for Judas Priest, serving as their walk-on music at countless live shows. This new studio recording allows fans to hear their full, blistering take on the nearly eight-and-a-half-minute classic. Rob Halford’s powerful vocals bring a fresh dimension to Ozzy’s legendary lines, while Richie Faulkner delivers a bluesy, searing guitar solo that pays tribute to Tony Iommi’s original mastery.
While Judas Priest won’t be performing at the massive “Back To The Beginning” event in Birmingham this weekend due to prior commitments supporting Scorpions’ 60th-anniversary concert in Germany, their “War Pigs” cover ensures their presence in spirit. Rob Halford himself expressed being “absolutely gutted” about the scheduling clash that prevented him from joining his friends on stage for such a momentous occasion.
This tribute underscores the deep roots and mutual respect within the original heavy metal scene, showcasing how bands from the same West Midlands crucible continue to inspire and celebrate each other’s legacies. The “War Pigs” cover is a testament to the enduring power of both Black Sabbath’s original composition and Judas Priest’s continued ability to deliver uncompromising heavy metal.
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