WE ARE JUDAS PRIEST. AND WE WILL KEEP PLAYING “WAR PIGS” UNTIL THE HEAVENS FALL.

WE ARE HONORED TO SHOW OUR LOVE FOR OZZY AND BLACK SABBATH WITH OUR HOMAGE OF ‘WAR PIGS’ – A GLOBAL TRIBUTE FROM JUDAS PRIEST

In a thunderous declaration that echoes through the halls of heavy metal history, Judas Priest has made one thing crystal clear: “We are Judas Priest. And we will keep playing ‘War Pigs’ until the heavens fall.” With those words, the legendary metal band reaffirmed their deep reverence for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, the originators of the genre that gave rise to Priest, and to generations of metal warriors who followed.

Judas Priest, currently storming the world on their “Invincible Shield” tour, have been performing “War Pigs” as a centerpiece of their set—night after night, city after city. It’s not just a cover. It’s not just a tribute. It’s a global ritual, a sacred honoring of the very roots of heavy metal.

“We are honored — deeply and sincerely — to show our eternal love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath by performing ‘War Pigs’ at every single show around the world,” the band announced in a powerful statement shared with fans. “It’s not a gimmick. It’s not a filler. It’s a ritual. And something magical happens every time we play it: the fans sing it louder than we do.”

From London to Tokyo, São Paulo to Los Angeles, the crowd’s reaction to “War Pigs” has become one of the most electrifying moments of the night. As Rob Halford prowls the stage, mic in hand, delivering those ominous opening lines—“Generals gathered in their masses…”—the atmosphere changes. It’s not just a concert anymore; it becomes a communion. Fans of all ages, some of whom weren’t even born when Sabbath first released Paranoid in 1970, unite their voices in a chorus that shakes the foundations of the venue.

“It’s the kind of song that transcends time,” Halford explained in a recent interview. “When we perform ‘War Pigs,’ we’re not just covering a classic—we’re channeling the spirit of Black Sabbath. It’s our way of saying thank you to the band that made all of this possible.”

Indeed, Black Sabbath’s influence on Judas Priest runs deep. Both bands emerged from the industrial heart of Birmingham, England, and both went on to define and evolve the very sound of heavy metal. Where Sabbath brought the dark, doomy origins, Priest injected speed, precision, and searing twin-guitar attacks. Together, they laid the foundation for the genre’s global explosion.

But beyond the music lies something more profound: brotherhood, legacy, and undying respect.

“Playing ‘War Pigs’ is personal,” says guitarist Richie Faulkner. “Every time we play it, we think about what Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill gave to this world. It’s a gift we can never repay. But we can honor it. Loudly.”

Judas Priest’s rendition of “War Pigs” stays true to its roots—slow, heavy, and powerful—while infusing it with their own signature fire. Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner trade leads with the precision of master craftsmen. Ian Hill’s bass rumbles like thunder. And Scott Travis drives it all with unrelenting force behind the drums. The result is a perfect storm of homage and reinvention—classic yet alive, timeless yet urgent.

Fans have embraced this tribute with overwhelming emotion. Social media is flooded with concert clips showing tens of thousands of fists in the air, fans in tears, and stadiums roaring every single lyric. “This is why we love metal,” wrote one fan on Instagram. “When Judas Priest plays ‘War Pigs,’ we feel the past, present, and future of metal all at once.”

Even Ozzy Osbourne himself acknowledged the gesture with gratitude. In a recent post, he wrote, “Massive love to Judas Priest for keeping the Sabbath spirit alive. ‘War Pigs’ lives on because of bands like you and fans who never stop singing.”

As Judas Priest continues to bring their monumental tour across continents, they’ve vowed to keep “War Pigs” as a permanent fixture in their setlist. For them, it’s more than just a song—it’s a sacred duty.

“This isn’t just for Ozzy, or even just for Sabbath,” Halford concluded. “It’s for the music. It’s for the fans. It’s for every kid who ever picked up a guitar and dreamed of making the earth shake. We’ll keep playing ‘War Pigs’ until the heavens fall—because that’s what metal does. It never dies.”

And so, with the roar of the crowd and the echoes of Sabbath’s immortal legacy, Judas Priest continues to fly the flag—loud, proud, and eternal.