In a heartfelt tribute to their fellow heavy metal pioneers, Judas Priest has officially released their powerful studio cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic “War Pigs.” The timing of this release, on **July 2, 2025**, is particularly poignant as it comes just days ahead of what is being widely billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert and Black Sabbath’s “Back To The Beginning” farewell show in their hometown of Birmingham, England.
Judas Priest shared the track with a statement acknowledging their deep respect: “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,” the opening track from Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking 1970 album *Paranoid*, has long been integrated into Judas Priest’s live presence, serving as their walk-on music. This new studio recording allows fans to experience their full, crushing interpretation of the classic. Rob Halford’s signature vocal prowess brings a renewed intensity to the lyrics, while the band’s tight musicianship and Richie Faulkner’s searing guitar work pay homage to the original’s raw power while injecting Priest’s unmistakable flair.
While scheduling conflicts prevent Judas Priest from performing live at Black Sabbath’s monumental Villa Park event on **July 5, 2025** (as they are supporting Scorpions in Germany on the same night), this “War Pigs” cover serves as a powerful testament to their enduring camaraderie and shared heritage within the West Midlands metal scene. It’s a compelling way for one legendary band to salute another as they approach a significant milestone, reinforcing the deep roots and mutual respect that continue to define the heavy metal genre.
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