Judas Priest’s Rob Halford Reveals His Biggest Wish: Singing With Ozzy

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Judas Priest’s Rob Halford recently shared exciting news with fans: a duet with Ozzy Osbourne on the band’s iconic cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” is in the works! Following Judas Priest’s tribute to Sabbath earlier this year, Halford confirmed that Ozzy would be joining him for a special version of the track.
Speaking with Full Metal Jackie on her weekend radio show, Rob revealed:
“What is cool and what is kind of waiting in the wings is Ozzy singing with me doing ‘War Pigs’ together. We’ve been able to do that. It’s there, we’re just having to go through all the rigmarole of legal clearance and so on and so forth.”
Ozzy and Rob: A Dream Duet
Halford explained that Sharon Osbourne reached out to him after hearing Judas Priest’s rendition of “War Pigs.” She loved the cover and asked, “Is there a way we can get Ozzy?” Rob, understandably excited, responded, “You’re asking me? This is gonna happen.” This collaboration is set to be historic, marking the first time Rob has performed a duet with Ozzy Osbourne. “You get Ozzy singing a line, and then I’m singing a line. It’s just colossal. When you hear Priest’s ‘War Pigs’ with Ozzy singing on that track, it’s going to a really special place.”
While an official release date hasn’t been set, Halford hinted that the song is close to being ready. “The green button’s almost ready to go. We’re finalizing some artwork and bits and pieces,” he said. Fans can expect the duet to drop soon.
Judas Priest and Alice Cooper: A Metal Dream Team
Beyond this exciting collaboration, Rob also spoke about Judas Priest’s ongoing tour with Alice Cooper, which has been thrilling for him. “I’m a fanboy. I love other musicians, I’m always intrigued and excited about the adventure that’s gonna happen.” He described sharing the stage with Cooper as a “metal Tyson knockout fight,” emphasizing how both bands deliver powerful performances that fans won’t want to miss.
Halford praised Cooper’s stage presence, recalling a recent show in London. “You’ve got to come and see this extraordinary man with what he does with his amazing band of musicians. The performance he puts on is just not to be missed.”
Looking Back: Music Legends and Inspirations
As a true fan of music, Rob often reflects on the legendary acts that influenced him. He recalled seeing Queen and David Bowie perform live, both leaving a lasting impression. “You couldn’t take your eyes off him. It’s inspiring and motivating when you see these great acts perform.”
Judas Priest themselves have focused on creating unforgettable shows from the start, often experimenting with lights and props to enhance their performances. Halford reminisced, “We were trying to find ways to make a show right from day one.”
Judas Priest’s Big Anniversary: A New Documentary
Fans are also in for a treat—a documentary exploring Judas Priest’s remarkable history. Rob collaborated with Tom Morello on this project, which offers an in-depth look at the band’s journey. “It’s a beautiful, in-depth look at the life story of Judas Priest. It’s kind of a roundtable of other musicians talking about the band, what we’ve meant to them, and their lives.” The documentary will include previously unseen footage, providing an exciting behind-the-scenes experience.
The documentary is expected to be released later this year, and Halford is eager for fans to see it.
Ozzy’s Influence and the Legacy of “War Pigs”
Rob Halford and Ozzy Osbourne share a long history—not only as rock icons but also as friends. Halford fondly remembers Ozzy’s generous and warm personality, sharing how Ozzy would always ask, “Did you have a good time?” after every show. “He was always giving stuff. He wasn’t a talking kind of guy. He was always pushing stuff forward, paying it forward.”
Now, fans will hear the legendary duo together on “War Pigs,” a song deeply connected to both their careers. As Halford says, “You don’t mess with a song like that. You give it the respect it deserves.” The upcoming duet will honor both Sabbath’s and Priest’s legacies, creating a truly unforgettable version of the classic track.
With such an exciting year ahead, Rob Halford and Judas Priest are keeping their fans on their toes. Whether through new collaborations, live performances, or deep dives into the band’s history, there’s always something big happening in the world of metal!