Judas Priest Tributes Black Sabbath With ‘War Pigs’ Cover

(hennemusic) Judas Priest has released a video for a new cover of “War Pigs” ahead of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell appearances in Birmingham, UK on July 5.

Billed as “Back To The Beginning,” the event will see Osbourne doing his own short set before being joined by his Sabbath colleagues on stage at the city’s Villa Park, where they will be seen with a host of guest musicians paying tribute to the renowned rockers.

While Judas Priest is unable to attend the live ceremony because they are due to open for Scorpions as part of the German group’s 60th anniversary gig in their homeland of Hanover, Germany on the same day, the band has recorded an homage to their Sabbath mates.

Judas Priest released the following statement: “We are honored to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with our homage of ‘War Pigs’ – a song we play at every show around the world that fans sing along to – reinforcing their love as well for the legendary Prince Of Darkness….!!”

Sabbath and Priest share a lengthy history, beginning in their city of Birmingham in the late 1960s and progressing to become heavy metal pioneers with global success.

Judas Priest Announces Final North American Tour, Sparking Emotional Reactions Across the Metal World

In a powerful and emotional announcement, Judas Priest has revealed plans for one final North American tour in 2026, marking the end of an era for one of heavy metal’s most iconic bands. With stops scheduled in six major cities, this farewell journey is already being met with overwhelming support and bittersweet nostalgia from generations of fans who have followed the band’s thunderous path for decades.

The decision to undertake this limited run comes after years of speculation regarding the future of Judas Priest, especially following the health challenges faced by longtime guitarist Glenn Tipton. While the band has never been one to shy away from defying odds, this announcement represents a definitive chapter closer in the saga of British metal royalty.

Each performance is expected to be a celebration of the band’s legacy—a testament to their unwavering energy, relentless spirit, and musical dominance that has spanned over five decades. Fans can expect setlists packed with classics that defined eras, as well as deeper cuts that pay homage to the full range of Priest’s catalog.

Rob Halford, the band’s dynamic frontman known for his piercing vocals and leather-clad charisma, shared heartfelt sentiments about the upcoming tour. He emphasized that this final run is not just a goodbye, but a thank-you—a gesture of love and gratitude toward the fans who have stood by them from club gigs to stadium stages.

Glenn Tipton, who will appear in select shows, expressed his excitement and emotion surrounding the tour. Despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease, he remains an enduring symbol of strength and resilience in the metal community. The band has also confirmed that Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap will continue to deliver the dual guitar attack that Priest fans expect.

The six-city format was a deliberate choice, according to the band’s management. Rather than an exhaustive global trek, the focus is on quality over quantity, ensuring that each show delivers a career-defining experience. The selected cities will act as pillars, representing the band’s deepest North American fan bases.

Venues are expected to be packed with both longtime devotees and younger fans who discovered Priest through their parents, streaming services, or even video games. This cross-generational turnout underscores the band’s cultural impact and the timeless appeal of their sound.

Fans and critics alike have described the upcoming tour as the end of a living legacy. Few bands have been as influential or as uncompromising as Judas Priest. Their role in shaping the sound, look, and attitude of metal is indisputable, with every riff and scream etching their place in music history.

The announcement has sparked a surge in demand for tickets, merchandise, and fan tributes. Social media is ablaze with shared memories, photos from past concerts, and stories of how the band’s music has inspired, healed, or shaped personal identities.

There is also an outpouring of respect from fellow musicians. Members of bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer have publicly expressed their admiration for Judas Priest and acknowledged the band’s foundational role in the global metal scene.

This farewell tour is more than a series of concerts—it is a moment of collective reflection. Each show will feel like a family reunion, a sacred gathering of those who have headbanged, screamed, and lived through the Priest experience for years.

The stage production is expected to be as theatrical and bold as ever, with fire, lights, and visuals that pay tribute to the band’s legacy. But at the center of it all will be the music—the pounding drums, blazing solos, and the iconic roar of Rob Halford.

Behind the scenes, the band is reportedly preparing a few surprises. Whether it’s rare song choices, guest appearances, or onstage dedications, each city will have something unique, a token of appreciation for decades of unwavering support.

As Judas Priest prepares for this historic run, the feeling across the metal community is one of deep gratitude. This is not a story of a band that faded quietly. It’s a story of legends who rode hard until the very end.

The tour also serves as a reminder of how rare bands like Judas Priest are. They not only created music but also inspired a cultural movement, standing for freedom, authenticity, and rebellion in a world that often demanded conformity.

Fans are already planning trips, organizing meetups, and even tattooing the tour dates as permanent tributes to the band that gave them a soundtrack for life. The emotional weight of this final run is unmistakable.

While this may be the last tour, the legacy of Judas Priest will continue. Their records will spin, their patches will be worn, and their lyrics will be shouted by future generations who recognize the truth in heavy metal’s heart.

As the curtain slowly begins to fall, the metal world stands united in celebration. Judas Priest is not just riding off into the sunset—they’re going out in flames, in style, and with the same screaming vengeance that started it all.

This tour is more than a goodbye. It’s a victory lap, a love letter, and a final roar that will echo long after the last note fades.