Heavy metal legends Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest have officially released a new collaborative version of Black Sabbath's iconic 1970 track, "War Pigs." The highly anticipated duet features Osbourne, the original vocalist for Black Sabbath, alongside Judas Priest's frontman Rob Halford, creating a unique tribute to the classic song and Osbourne's enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest collaborated on a new version of "War Pigs."
- The track features a unique duet style with both Osbourne and Rob Halford.
- The idea for the collaboration came from Sharon Osbourne.
- All profits from the recording will benefit The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s.
- The release follows Osbourne's final live appearance in July.
A Collaborative Tribute to a Metal Classic
The new rendition of "War Pigs" brings together two of heavy metal's most recognized voices. This collaboration follows Judas Priest's initial release of a "War Pigs" cover. That version served as a tribute to Osbourne and Black Sabbath, just days before Osbourne's final live concert, "Back to the Beginning," held on July 5.
The idea for a duet emerged when Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife and manager, heard Judas Priest's cover. She then approached Rob Halford with the concept of incorporating Ozzy's vocals into the track. Halford expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, stating, "She approached me with this idea, she said, 'I love your version of 'War Pigs.' Is there a way we can get Ozzy?' I was [like], 'You're asking me? This is gonna happen.'"
Quick Fact
"War Pigs" originally appeared on Black Sabbath's second album, Paranoid, released in 1970. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential anti-war songs in rock history.
The Duet's Unique Vocal Arrangement
Rob Halford described the vocal arrangement of the new track, highlighting its unique structure. The song features a back-and-forth vocal delivery between the two metal icons. Halford explained, "So you get Ozzy singing a line and then I'm singing a line and Ozzy's singing a line and I'm singing a line." This style creates a dynamic interplay between their distinct voices.
For Halford, this collaboration marks a significant moment in his career. He stated, "It's the first ever time in my entire life that I've been able to do a duet with Ozzy and I'm so eternally grateful and blessed that I was able to do that... it's just going to a really special place." The sentiment underlines the mutual respect and historical significance of this musical pairing.
Background on Ozzy Osbourne's Collaborations
Ozzy Osbourne has a history of notable collaborations. In 2022, he released a duet version of "Hellraiser" with Motörhead's late frontman, Lemmy Kilmister. These collaborations often celebrate his peers and contribute to his extensive musical catalog.
Supporting Parkinson's Research
Beyond its musical significance, the release of the "War Pigs" duet carries a charitable component. Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd and Epic Records in the UK have committed to donating all profits generated from the recording. This includes income from audio streams, digital downloads, and physical sales.
The beneficiaries of these donations are two organizations dedicated to fighting Parkinson's disease: The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s. Glenn Tipton, the long-standing guitarist for Judas Priest, publicly announced his diagnosis with the disease in 2018. This initiative directly supports research and aid for those affected by Parkinson's.
"It's the first ever time in my entire life that I've been able to do a duet with Ozzy and I'm so eternally grateful and blessed that I was able to do that."
— Rob Halford, Judas Priest Frontman
Ozzy Osbourne's Final Live Appearance
The release of this duet comes shortly after what was announced as Ozzy Osbourne's final live performance. The "Back to the Beginning" concert on July 5 marked a significant event for fans. Judas Priest, while unable to perform at that specific show due to prior commitments, still honored Osbourne with their initial cover. Their commitment was to open for the Scorpions' 60th anniversary celebration.
Osbourne's career spans decades, beginning with Black Sabbath and continuing through a highly successful solo career. He remains one of the most famous frontmen in hard rock and heavy metal history. This new collaboration adds another notable entry to his storied musical journey.
The Enduring Legacy of "War Pigs"
"War Pigs" is not just a song; it is a cultural statement. Its lyrics speak against the horrors of war and the powerful figures who instigate conflict. The track's heavy riffs and Ozzy Osbourne's distinctive vocals made it an anthem for a generation.
- Original Release: 1970, on Black Sabbath's album Paranoid.
- Lyrical Themes: Anti-war, critique of political leaders.
- Impact: Widely considered a foundational song in heavy metal.
- Cultural Significance: Continues to resonate due to its timeless message.
The decision by two major bands to revisit such a powerful song underscores its lasting relevance and impact within the music world. The new version introduces the classic to new audiences while honoring its roots.
The Importance of Charitable Music Releases
The music industry often uses its platform to support charitable causes. This collaboration is a prime example of artists leveraging their influence for good. By dedicating profits to Parkinson's research, Osbourne and Judas Priest are contributing to a cause that directly affects one of their own.
According to recent reports, Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people worldwide. Funding for research is crucial for developing new treatments and finding a cure. Initiatives like this duet play a vital role in raising both awareness and financial support for these efforts.
The partnership between these legendary musicians not only delivers new music to fans but also serves a higher purpose, demonstrating the power of music to make a positive difference in the world.