The band cut a studio version to honor their heroes
Judas Priest has released an official studio version of Black Sabbath’s 1970s hit “War Pigs.” The classic group pays tribute to the iconic metal group as Priest has used the track as its walk-on music before hitting the stage. They have also released a performance video for the track.
“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!” the band shares in a press release.
The cover drops ahead of Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning reunion show, which sees the original group of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward reuniting on stage one final time in England. The all-star all-day event is also slated to act as Ozzy’s final bow as he deals with a litany of health concerns.
Priest is unable to perform at Back to the Beginning since they are scheduled to play a 60th anniversary show with Scorpions in Hanover, Germany, on the same day, July 5th.
The event will also feature performances from Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Gojira, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. A supergroup of legendary musicians will also take to the stage, with confirmed artists including Billy Corgan, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Slash, Frank Bello, Fred Durst, Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis, KK Downing, Lzzy Hale, Mike Bordin, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian, Sleep Token ii, Papa V Perpetua, Tom Morello, and Zakk Wylde.
The event will be streamed with a two-hour delay globally, with all proceeds to benefit charity.
