In a twist no one saw coming but everyone is now headbanging to, Judas Priest has just turned disappointment into pure metal magic. The legendary band was slated to appear at Black Sabbath’s final farewell show — a historic night fans had marked in blood on their calendars. But due to unforeseen travel and logistical chaos, the heavy metal gods couldn’t make it to the stage in time.
So what did they do instead? Oh, just dropped a surprise scorching cover of “War Pigs” that is already setting the internet — and speakers — on fire.
Yes, that “War Pigs.” The politically-charged, riff-loaded Sabbath classic that has been a battle cry for generations of metalheads. Judas Priest didn’t just cover it. They brought it back from the battlefield, polished it with Rob Halford’s trademark banshee vocals, and sent it out as a sonic peace offering — or maybe a warning shot.
Released across their socials just hours after Sabbath’s show, the performance was raw, gritty, and undeniably powerful. Shot in an intimate studio setting lit like a ceremonial séance, the band gave “War Pigs” the kind of treatment that only true metal royalty could. Halford’s voice soared and snarled in all the right places, while Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner laid down guitar work that felt like a respectful salute and a thunderous challenge all at once.
“Couldn’t be there to honor the gods in person,” the band captioned the post, “so we’re honoring them the Priest way.”
Fans went ballistic within minutes. Comments flooded in from all over the globe: “This is how you miss a show with class,” said one fan. Another added, “This version of ‘War Pigs’ just kicked me straight into the ’80s.” Even Sharon Osbourne chimed in with a “bloody brilliant” on Instagram.
While the absence of Judas Priest at Sabbath’s final show was a blow, this cover might’ve stolen the spotlight anyway. Some fans are already calling for a full Sabbath tribute album, and honestly, we wouldn’t mind one bit.
It’s not every day that a missed appearance turns into a viral masterpiece, but if anyone could do it, it’s Judas Priest. Their tribute proves that even when grounded, their metal wings still fly — and War Pigs just found new life in the most gloriously savage way possible.
Long live Sabbath. Long live Priest. Long live metal.
