Rob Halford has confirmed that Judas Priest are preparing to unleash a monumental collaboration with the late, great Ozzy Osbourne, in the form of a colossal version of Black Sabbath’s iconic anti-war anthem, *War Pigs*. The news follows Priest’s thunderous live cover of the track, which they performed in honor of their West Midlands contemporaries during the star-studded Villa Park week of events. Although Judas Priest were unable to appear at Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s farewell *Back to the Beginning* concert in July, the band’s tribute has taken on an even deeper resonance with this upcoming release.
Speaking with Full Metal Jackie, Halford revealed that the duet version of *War Pigs*—featuring shared vocals between himself and Ozzy—was inspired by none other than Sharon Osbourne. “She approached me with this idea,” Halford explained. “She said, ‘I love your version of *War Pigs.* Is there a way we can get Ozzy?’ And I was like, ‘You’re asking me?! This is gonna happen!’”
The track, which sees Halford and Osbourne trading lines back and forth, marks the first time the two legendary frontmen have ever sung together on record. “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,” Halford reflected.
Calling the finished result “colossal,” Halford promised fans that Priest’s already ferocious rendition of *War Pigs* has been elevated to an entirely new level with Ozzy’s unmistakable presence. “When you hear Priest’s *War Pigs* with Ozzy singing on that track, it’s just going to a really special place,” he enthused.
While the exact release date remains under wraps, Halford hinted that it won’t be long. “The green button’s almost ready to go. We’re finalising some artwork and bits and pieces. But I think it’s gonna be pretty soon.”
