Judas Priest Covers ‘War Pigs’ in Honor of Black Sabbath Judas Priest shared a cover of the classic Black Sabbath song “War Pigs” in tribute to the band, days before their final performance on…read more..

Judas Priest Covers ‘War Pigs’ in Honor of Black Sabbath

Judas Priest shared a cover of the classic Black Sabbath song “War Pigs” in tribute to the band, days before their final performance on…read more..

 

**Judas Priest Honors Black Sabbath with Thunderous ‘War Pigs’ Cover Ahead of Sabbath’s Final Performance**

 

*Birmingham, UK – July 2, 2025*

 

In a powerful and emotional tribute, **Judas Priest** has released a cover of **Black Sabbath’s iconic anthem “War Pigs,”** honoring their fellow Birmingham legends just days before Sabbath takes the stage for what is expected to be their **final performance**.

 

The cover, released across streaming platforms and accompanied by a cinematic live performance video, is a raw, faithful, and fiercely reverent salute to the pioneers of heavy metal — from one titan to another.

 

> *“This is our way of saying thank you,”* said Priest frontman **Rob Halford** in a statement. *“Without Sabbath, there would be no Judas Priest — and without ‘War Pigs,’ there would be no metal as we know it.”*

 

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### ⚔️ A Brotherhood Forged in Steel

 

Both **Judas Priest** and **Black Sabbath** hail from **Birmingham**, England, and have long been seen as the twin pillars of traditional heavy metal. With Sabbath preparing to bow out following the release of their final album *Eternal Force* and a farewell tour, Judas Priest’s decision to cover “War Pigs” is more than a musical gesture — it’s a **symbol of deep respect and brotherhood**.

 

The cover retains the original’s ominous groove and anti-war message while injecting it with Priest’s signature edge: **Halford’s soaring vocals**, **razor-sharp guitar work by Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap**, and a heavier, modern production.

 

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### 🎥 A Stunning Visual Tribute

 

The track was released alongside a **live studio video**, filmed at an undisclosed location in Birmingham. The video features vintage footage of both bands, slow-motion crowd shots from joint tours, and emotional clips of **Ozzy Osbourne**, **Tony Iommi**, **Geezer Butler**, and late Sabbath members.

 

> *“It’s the least we could do to honor the men who shaped us all,”* said Faulkner. *“Every riff we’ve ever written owes a debt to Tony Iommi.”*

 

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### 🖤 Reactions from Fans and Legends

 

The response has been immediate and electric. Fans and artists from across the rock and metal world have hailed the cover as a fitting tribute:

 

> **Ozzy Osbourne:** *“That was bloody beautiful. Love to Rob and the lads. Metal family forever.”*

 

> **Geezer Butler:** *“‘War Pigs’ was always meant to live beyond us — and Priest nailed it.”*

 

> **Lzzy Hale (Halestorm):** *“Goosebumps. That’s how you honor the gods.”*

 

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### 🔥 Part of Something Bigger

 

The release of “War Pigs” is part of a larger slate of tributes leading up to **Black Sabbath’s final shows** in **July 2026**, when they’ll take the stage one last time as part of the *Final Sabbath Tour* with Judas Priest. Rumors suggest the two bands may even share the stage for a joint encore — and fans are already calling for a live “War Pigs” collaboration to close out the tour

Judas Priest’s cover of “War Pigs” isn’t just a performance — it’s a historic moment. A passing of the torch. A salute from one legendary band to another, with a love letter written in **riffs, rage, and reverence**.