Judas Priest, a legendary force in heavy metal, has a long-standing tradition of opening their shows with a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath's iconic 1970 single “War Pigs.” This enduring gesture of respect and admiration for one of heavy metal’s seminal bands predates the passing of singer Ozzy Osbourne on July 22 at age 76, and according to Priest frontman Rob Halford, it is a tradition that will continue.

A unique collaboration is also on the horizon, as Halford recently revealed details about a special duet version of “War Pigs.” Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager, approached Halford with the idea, expressing her love for Priest's cover and inquiring about the possibility of having Ozzy participate. Halford enthusiastically agreed, expressing his delight at the prospect of a duet with the Prince of Darkness. The envisioned track features Ozzy singing a line, followed by Halford, creating a dynamic interplay between the two vocal titans.

Halford described this collaborative effort as a monumental moment, stating, “It’s the first ever time in my entire life that I’ve been able to do a duet with Ozzy and I’m so eternally grateful and blessed that I was able to do that.” He further emphasized the track's impact, calling it “colossal” and predicting that it will take listeners to “a really special place,” even for those familiar with Priest’s existing “War Pigs” cover. The band is currently navigating the necessary legal clearances for the song, and while no official release date has been set, Halford hinted that the “green button’s almost ready to go,” with artwork nearing completion, suggesting a release in the near future.

Reflecting on a recent personal moment, Halford recounted his profound sorrow upon learning of Osbourne's death. He described how, after receiving the news, he “curled up in a ball and bawled my eyes out for hours” in his hotel room. This emotional impact underscores the deep connection Halford felt for Osbourne, both as a peer and as an inspiration. Halford also spoke about the side of Ozzy that often remained unseen by the public, beyond his