Judas Priest’s Rob Halford teases upcoming duet with Ozzy Osbourne

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Rob Halford of Judas Priest recently told the *Full Metal Jackie* podcast that he and Ozzy Osbourne recorded a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” before Osbourne’s death. Halford says the song should be released in the near future.

Judas Priest has long used Black Sabbath’s song “War Pigs” to kick off their concerts. In a recent interview on Full Metal Jackie, Rob Halford discussed the band’s efforts to legally obtain permission to release their cover of the song and shared his experiences recording with Ozzy Osbourne.

Halford describes the song as a back-and-forth between the two singers: “Ozzy sings a line, then I sing a line, and so on.” He adds that this is the first time he’s ever had the chance to sing a duet with Ozzy Osbourne, and he feels incredibly grateful for the experience.

Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest’s Rob Halford recorded a special duet

Halford explained on the podcast that Sharon Osbourne was the one who ultimately arranged the duet, first contacting him directly.

Halford recalled someone suggesting they include Ozzy Osbourne in a project, after telling him how much they loved his rendition of ‘War Pigs.’ He responded with excitement, saying he couldn’t believe they were asking him, and that it would definitely happen.

Judas Priest has performed a cover of “War Pigs” many times, including a recent performance before the passing of Ozzy Osbourne earlier this year. Osbourne, a legendary figure in heavy metal, died on July 22nd at the age of 76 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Only a few weeks before his death, Osbourne played a huge farewell concert called *Back to the Beginning*, which was the last time he and Black Sabbath would perform live together. The concert was a benefit show featuring many guest artists, including Metallica, Mastodon, Halestorm, and others.

Judas Priest couldn’t perform at the show because they were already scheduled to open for Scorpions in Germany, who were celebrating their 60th anniversary with a special hometown concert. Before the ‘Back to the Beginning’ release, Judas Priest had covered “War Pigs” live, and Halford reiterated in a podcast how disappointed he was to miss Osbourne’s farewell performance.

Halford shared with Full Metal Jackie how shocked he was to hear about Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, an event that deeply affected everyone in the rock music community.

Halford described collapsing in tears in his hotel room after hearing the news. He explained that the artist always gave it his all during performances, radiating joy and a deep love for his fans – a passion that extended beyond the stage and into his personal life.

Judas Priest’s singer says his collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne is coming out shortly, and he promises it will be an incredible experience for fans.

As a huge fan, let me tell you, hearing ‘War Pigs’ is already an incredible experience. But when you hear Judas Priest’s version with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals? It takes it to a whole other level – it’s just unbelievably special. It’s like hearing the song for the very first time all over again, and it’s just…colossal!

Judas Priest is touring North America this fall with Alice Cooper on their ‘Shield of Pain Tour.’ The tour marks 35 years since Judas Priest released their popular album, *Painkiller*. Corrosion of Conformity is joining them as a supporting act, with the tour kicking off on September 16th.

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2025-09-21 18:00