Heavy metal history has just been made. Judas Priest and the late Ozzy Osbourne have joined forces for a brand-new duet of Black Sabbath’s immortal anthem “War Pigs” — and this time, the battle cry comes with a cause. All proceeds from the single will benefit Parkinson’s disease charities, transforming one of metal’s most iconic songs into a weapon of hope.
A Song With Purpose
The idea began earlier this summer when Judas Priest recorded their own version of “War Pigs” to honor Ozzy and Black Sabbath after scheduling conflicts kept them from performing at Osbourne’s farewell concert in Birmingham. The cover quickly gained momentum, and soon Priest frontman Rob Halford and Ozzy himself were trading vocal lines on a full-fledged duet.
Longtime Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton, who stepped back from touring due to Parkinson’s, contributed guitar to the track, making the collaboration even more poignant.
According to a statement, “This emotionally charged release unites the titans of British heavy metal one last time in a project born from friendship, mutual respect, and a shared mission to fight Parkinson’s disease.”
A Legacy Strengthened by Loss
Both Ozzy and Tipton had been living with Parkinson’s for years — Ozzy since 2003, Tipton since 2008. The charity single supports The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s, ensuring the fight against the disease continues with the full force of metal behind it.
Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, just 17 days after his farewell concert. The release of this duet now stands as both a tribute and a final gift, capturing his voice one last time alongside Halford’s.
The Release
The “War Pigs” charity single is available now on all streaming platforms and as a digital download. Fans can also pre-order a special CD edition, set to release October 31 via Judas Priest’s official store.
The original “War Pigs” debuted in 1970 on Black Sabbath’s Paranoid album and has long been a staple of Judas Priest’s live shows, often serving as their walk-on track. Now, it returns with renewed power, carrying not only the sound of rebellion but the spirit of resilience.
On the Road Again
Meanwhile, Judas Priest has kicked off a U.S. tour with Alice Cooper, launching September 16 in Biloxi, Mississippi, and running through October 26 in The Woodlands, Texas.
For now, though, all eyes — and ears — are on “War Pigs.” Fans are calling the duet “epic,” “historic,” and “deeply human.” In the words of one listener: “It’s more than music. It’s a fight — and Ozzy’s final roar.”
