Rob Halford recently shared that Ozzy Osbourne listened to the final mix of the joint “War Pigs” recording with Judas Priest and responded with delight and a big grin. Halford said that Sharon Osbourne later relayed how Ozzy expressed being “thrilled and delighted” by the musical collaboration. He described Ozzy as “grinning” while hearing the track.
Prior to Ozzy’s death in July 2025, Judas Priest had recorded a version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” featuring alternating vocal lines between Halford and Osbourne. Halford revealed that Sharon Osbourne had approached him after hearing Priest’s cover and proposed adding Ozzy’s vocals. The collaboration had been held back by legal clearance procedures, though Halford has confirmed the version is “waiting in the wings.”
On September 26, 2025, Judas Priest officially released a charity version of “War Pigs” featuring Ozzy’s vocals. Proceeds, including streaming, download, and physical sales, are being donated to The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s. Despite battles with Parkinson’s, guitarist Glenn Tipton contributed guitar work to the track.
Halford emphasised the emotional weight of the collaboration, noting the poignancy of uniting with Ozzy on a legendary song beloved by fans. He called the duet version “colossal” and expressed gratitude to have been part of such a moment.
Meanwhile, Halford also opened up about his grief over Ozzy’s passing. In a candid reflection, he said he spent hours curled up in a hotel room, overcome by the news, and that he continues to feel the emotional void left by his friend.
