Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis has revealed details about the band’s upcoming release of “War Pigs” featuring both Rob Halford and Ozzy Osbourne on vocals. He shared this information in a recent interview with Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern.
Travis explained the circumstances that led to the Black Sabbath cover and the unique collaboration with Osbourne.
“We knew about the Sabbath reunion or the Sabbath final show that was coming up in the U.K., but as I’m sure you’re aware, we had already contracted and agreed to do the Scorpions, their 60th-anniversary show in Germany [on the same day],” Travis said. “So we couldn’t do the Ozzy thing.”
The drummer revealed how the tribute idea developed into something more significant.
“But we thought it’d be cool to [record a cover version of] a Sabbath song [as a tribute to Ozzy],” he continued. “And, of course, we got the blessing from [Ozzy’s wife and manager] Sharon Osbourne. So we did our version of ‘War Pigs’. But we did that well before — not only before the Black Sabbath show but before Ozzy passed. So that was kind of weird that we were able to do that.”
Travis also confirmed plans for a special version featuring both vocalists.
“And then I think we’re trying to — I think there’s a version coming out with Ozzy actually singing on that version,” he said. “In other words, Rob will sing a verse and then Ozzy sings a verse. I think that’s coming out. But anyways, we did our version and a video, so that’s out there. And then, obviously, yeah, we were in the middle of our tour [when we got the news that Ozzy had died], and it was devastating.”
The band has already completed their version of the song along with an accompanying video.
This tribute holds special significance for both bands. The connection between Judas Priest and Black Sabbath runs deep through their shared Birmingham heritage and mutual influence on heavy metal music.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Judas Priest officially released their cover of Black Sabbath’s iconic track “War Pigs” just days before Black Sabbath’s final show featuring Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham on July 5, 2025. The timing of the release added emotional weight to what was already a historic moment in metal history.
The choice of “War Pigs” was particularly meaningful for Judas Priest. The Gallery noted that the song, originally from Sabbath’s 1970 album Paranoid, has long been a staple as Judas Priest’s stage intro music. This connection made the tribute especially significant to both the band and fans worldwide who have witnessed this ritual at countless Priest concerts.
Judas Priest could not perform at Sabbath’s farewell concert due to their commitment to the Scorpions’ 60th-anniversary show in Germany. However, the band found a way to honor their Birmingham roots and celebrate the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath through this recording. Rob Halford had previously expressed disappointment about missing the farewell show, but this cover provided a meaningful connection for fans and the metal community.
AXS TV confirmed that the band released a video for their rendition, which has been well received by fans familiar with the powerful anti-war anthem and its significance within heavy metal history. The upcoming version featuring both Halford and Osbourne sharing vocal duties will add a unique layer to the song’s legacy. It highlights a rare collaboration between two metal legends who have shaped the genre for over five decades.
