JUDAS PRIEST covers BLACK SABBATH’s ‘War Pigs’ as tribute – Metal Addicts
Judas Priest recently paid homage to Black Sabbath by releasing a studio cover of the iconic “War Pigs” as their fellow heavy metal legends prepare for their historic final concert in Birmingham. Despite not being able to perform at the “Back To The Beginning” event alongside Black Sabbath, Judas Priest chose to honor their hometown heroes with a powerful rendition of the 1970 classic from Sabbath’s Paranoid album. The band also unveiled an intense performance video to accompany the track, which has become a staple walk-on music for Judas Priest during their live shows.
In a statement, the band expressed their deep admiration for Ozzy and Black Sabbath. They mentioned, “‘War Pigs’ is a song that we play at every show around the world, and fans sing along to it, showcasing their love for the legendary Prince Of Darkness.” The timing of this tribute is significant as it coincides with Sabbath’s final performance at Villa Park, where Ozzy Osbourne will be making his last live appearance. Unfortunately, Rob Halford and the rest of Judas Priest will be in Hannover, Germany that same night, headlining the SCORPIONS’ 60th-anniversary show, preventing Halford from joining Ozzy and the Sabbath crew in person.
In a Metal Hammer interview in May, Halford shared his disappointment at not being able to be part of Sabbath’s farewell show. He mentioned that despite considering all options, the logistical challenges, even with a private plane, were too risky. However, the spirit of Judas Priest will still be present at Villa Park through founding guitarist K.K. Downing’s performance. The event will feature appearances by other rock legends born in Birmingham and serve as a grand celebration of the city’s legacy as the birthplace of heavy metal.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has harnessed his lifelong passion for metal to create a thriving online community for metal enthusiasts. His deep appreciation for black metal stems from its dark, atmospheric, and sometimes unconventional compositions. Judas Priest’s tribute to Black Sabbath through “War Pigs” showcases the camaraderie and respect shared among heavy metal veterans, with both bands leaving an indelible mark on the genre.