Judas Priest Releases Electrifying Studio Version of “War Pigs” as Tribute to Black Sabbath Ahead of Farewell Concert
Heavy metal titans Judas Priest have unveiled a thunderous studio version of Black Sabbath’s legendary anthem “War Pigs,” just days before Sabbath’s emotional farewell concert in their hometown of Birmingham. The tribute, equal parts blistering and reverent, is a bold salute to the band that helped forge the genre that both groups came to define.
“We are honored to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath,” Judas Priest shared in a heartfelt statement accompanying the release. “It’s a song we play at every show around the world that fans sing along to – reinforcing their love for the legendary Prince of Darkness!”
Originally released in 1970, “War Pigs” is a protest song wrapped in the ominous trappings of early heavy metal, and it remains one of Sabbath’s most enduring tracks. Judas Priest’s rendition stays true to the brooding heaviness of the original while injecting it with their own brand of steel-plated aggression and Halford’s signature high-pitched snarl. The guitars scream, the drums thunder, and the energy feels not just like a cover, but a ceremonial offering to metal royalty.
The timing of the release couldn’t be more poignant. Black Sabbath’s final show, taking place this weekend in Birmingham—the city where it all began—marks the end of an era. It is the culmination of over five decades of dominance, darkness, and musical revolution. Though Judas Priest had long been rumored to make a surprise appearance at the farewell gig, frontman Rob Halford confirmed he will be unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict with the band’s ongoing tour with Scorpions.
“I’m absolutely gutted,” Halford said in a recent interview. “To not be there for Sabbath’s final bow in Birmingham, where it all started for both of us, is heartbreaking. But this track is our way of saying thank you – to Ozzy, to Tony, to Geezer, to Bill – for showing us the way.”
Fans around the world have reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm. Social media erupted with praise for the cover, with many calling it one of the most powerful renditions of “War Pigs” ever recorded. Some have even demanded the track be included in Priest’s upcoming setlists, despite it already being a fan-favorite encore on recent tours.
As the metal world prepares to say goodbye to Black Sabbath, Judas Priest’s tribute serves as both a farewell and a reminder: the spirit of Sabbath will echo in the riffs, screams, and pounding drums of every band that ever plugged in and turned it up. And in the hands of Priest, that spirit is alive, loud, and eternal.
