A new version of “War Pigs” was released on streaming platforms on September 26. This exciting track features metal legends Judas Priest teaming up with Ozzy Osbourne from Black Sabbath for a special duet. The release aims to support Parkinson’s disease research in the UK, with proceeds going to The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s.
Judas Priest had already released their own cover of “War Pigs” back in July, and this new version continues their tribute to Ozzy. In this fresh take, Rob Halford and Ozzy trade verses, marking the first time Halford has had the chance to duet with Ozzy. The recording happened just months before Ozzy’s passing in July.
The collaboration began when Sharon Osbourne reached out to Halford to add Ozzy’s vocals to Priest’s existing cover. The band originally released their version on July 2 as a nod to Black Sabbath, since they couldn’t attend the final Back To The Beginning show on July 5 due to a prior commitment with Scorpions in Germany.
Halford reflected on Ozzy’s last performance, saying it felt like a farewell, even though no one knew it at the time. On July 23, during a show in Scarborough, Judas Priest paid tribute to Ozzy’s lasting impact with visual displays.
Both bands have a strong connection to Parkinson’s disease. Ozzy was diagnosed in 2003, and Judas Priest’s Glenn Tipton received the same news in 2008. Although Tipton stepped back from full tours in 2018, he still makes special appearances at shows.
You can now find “War Pigs” on major music streaming apps, with physical copies set to be released soon.
