Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest Cover Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs'

Two iconic figures from Birmingham's heavy metal scene, Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, have collaborated on a new rendition of Black Sabbath's classic song, 'War Pigs.' This special recording also features Judas Priest's instrumental backing. All proceeds from the track will support Parkinson's disease research and patient care, benefiting two charities: Cure Parkinson's and The Glenn Tipton Parkinson's Foundation.

The collaboration brings together the voices of two legends. It marks a significant moment for fans, combining the distinct styles of Osbourne and Halford on a song that helped define heavy metal music. The initiative highlights a shared commitment to a cause close to both artists, as both Osbourne and Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

A Unique Vocal Collaboration

The new version of 'War Pigs' features a unique vocal arrangement. Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford share lead vocal duties. This marks the first time these two prominent voices in heavy metal have recorded a duet. The song, originally released by Black Sabbath in 1970 on their album 'Paranoid,' is a cornerstone of the genre.

Judas Priest initially released their own cover of 'War Pigs' on July 2. Shortly after this release, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife and manager, contacted Rob Halford. She expressed her appreciation for Judas Priest's version and proposed the idea of adding Ozzy's vocals to the track. Halford quickly agreed to the suggestion.

"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!’" Halford recounted to Full Metal Jackie earlier this month.

The recording process involved a back-and-forth vocal exchange. Halford described the experience: "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. 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." This collaboration represents a historic moment for heavy metal music enthusiasts.

Supporting Parkinson's Research

The primary goal of this collaboration is to raise funds for Parkinson's disease charities. All proceeds generated from the new 'War Pigs' cover will be donated to two organizations: Cure Parkinson's and The Glenn Tipton Parkinson's Foundation. This charitable focus is deeply personal for both artists involved.

Ozzy Osbourne announced his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease in 2019. Similarly, Glenn Tipton, the guitarist for Judas Priest, was diagnosed with the condition in 2008. In response to Tipton's diagnosis, Judas Priest established The Glenn Tipton Parkinson's Foundation in 2018 to support research and raise awareness.

Tipton's condition has led him to step back from full-time touring with Judas Priest. However, he has made notable appearances during encores at several of the band's concerts, demonstrating his enduring commitment to music and his fans. The decision to dedicate the proceeds to Parkinson's charities underscores the impact of the disease on these musicians and their desire to contribute to finding a cure.

Tributes and Legacy

Judas Priest's initial 'War Pigs' cover served as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. This release came in the lead-up to Osbourne's retirement concert, 'Back To The Beginning.' The concert took place on July 5 at Villa Park, close to Osbourne's childhood home in Aston, Birmingham.

Despite their long-standing connection, Judas Priest did not perform at Osbourne's retirement event. Rob Halford explained that this was due to a scheduling conflict. The band was booked to play at the 60th-anniversary celebrations for German hard rockers Scorpions on the same day.

Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 on July 22, just 17 days after his retirement concert, following a heart attack. Judas Priest shared their condolences on social media, stating, "Sharon, may God surround you and your beautiful family with love, peace and light. Ozzy, you will never leave us."

The band also paid tribute to Osbourne during their concert in Scarborough, UK, the day after his death. They displayed his face on the video backdrop during their song 'Giants In The Sky,' honoring his profound impact on the music world.

Ozzy Osbourne's Final Years and Upcoming Releases

Ozzy Osbourne's final years were marked by his battle with Parkinson's disease and multiple spinal surgeries. Two documentaries exploring this period of his life are scheduled for release next month. These films will offer an intimate look into the challenges he faced.

The BBC will broadcast an hour-long program titled 'Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home' on October 2. Following this, Paramount Plus will release a two-hour film, 'Ozzy: No Escape From Now,' on October 7. These documentaries will provide fans with deeper insights into his personal struggles and resilience.

In addition to the documentaries, Osbourne's second autobiography, 'Last Rites,' is also set to be released on October 7. This book will offer his reflections on his life and career. These upcoming releases ensure that Osbourne's legacy continues to be explored and celebrated, even after his passing. The 'War Pigs' collaboration adds another layer to his enduring musical influence and his commitment to charitable causes.

The impact of both Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest on heavy metal music is immense. This joint venture serves as a powerful reminder of their contributions and their dedication to supporting important health initiatives. The song not only honors a classic track but also raises awareness and funds for Parkinson's research, a cause that affects many globally.