Key Takeaways

• New Duet: Rob Halford revealed that a duet version of “War Pigs” with Ozzy Osbourne is in the works.
• Legal Process: The collaboration is currently awaiting legal clearances before its release.
• Documentary Insights: Halford is working with Tom Morello on a documentary that explores Judas Priest’s history.
• Live Performances: Halford reflects on the impact of legendary performers like Alice Cooper and Queen on his career.

When Judas Priest recorded their cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” earlier this year, that was only the first step of the love fest surrounding Ozzy Osbourne. It turns out, according to Rob Halford, there’s yet another version of the song coming that turns Priest’s version into a duet with Ozzy himself.

Speaking with Full Metal Jackie on her weekend radio show, Halford shared, “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.”

According to Halford, Sharon Osbourne reached out after hearing Priest’s tribute with their Sabbath cover. “She approached me with this idea, she said, ‘I love your version of ‘War Pigs.’ Is there a way we can get Ozzy?’ I was [like], ‘You’re asking me? This is gonna happen.’

“So you get Ozzy singing a line and then I’m singing a line and Ozzy’s singing a line and I’m singing a line. 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,” says Halford, who says the new version is “just colossal.” He concludes, “When you hear Priest’s ‘War Pigs’ with Ozzy singing on that track, it’s just going to a really special place.”

Though an official release date has not been set, the singer shares, “The green button’s almost ready to go. We’re finalizing some artwork and bits and pieces that you have to go through. But I think it’s gonna be pretty soon.”

Elsewhere in the chat, Halford marvels at having the chance to tour with Alice Cooper and speaks to some of the great live performances he’s seen over his years in music. He offers some insight on working with Tom Morello on a new Judas Priest documentary. He also thinks back on the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, shares some of the singers who’ve inspired him over the years and comments more on the Ozzy Osbourne he knew.

Check out more of the interview below.

It’s Full Metal Jackie and we truly have a treat for you this week. The one and only, the Metal God, Rob Halford of Judas Priest is here with us once again. In what has to be a dream pairing, you can find Judas Priest playing shows with Alice Cooper on a co-headlining run this year. As someone who is no stranger to stage theatrics, Rob, what does it mean to you to share the stage with another legendary live performer such as Alice Cooper?

You know me, Jackie, I’m a fanboy. I love other musicians no matter what they do. I’m always intrigued and excited about the adventure that’s gonna happen that particular night, ’cause you never know what’s gonna happen with Alice.

We’ve just done some shows together recently in Europe and we had a finale show at The O2 in London just a very short time ago. I was watching what was happening and he’s just … it’s just huge. You just can’t describe it. You’ve gotta come and see this, you know? You’ve gotta come and see this extraordinary man with what he does with his amazing band of musicians. The performance that he puts on based around these incredible songs that he’s made through the decades is just not to be missed.

Then you marry that up with the reputation that Priest has got, with our emphasis on giving you something strong that you’ll remember in terms of metal memories from the show aspect of Priest, this is like being in the ring with [Mike] Tyson. This is the metal Tyson Knockout Fight. So come and check it out. It’s gonna be great.

Rob, I feel like you’re from a generation that really put the show in show business. As someone who is not only one of metal’s greats but is also a metal fan as well, who are some of the best that you’ve seen in your career at putting on a live concert and giving a true all-around show for the fans?

When I think of bands, it’s beyond metal. I saw Queen put on spectacular shows. I actually saw David Bowie do his Ziggy Stardust show at some place in Wolverhampton, some little theater, and I was just mesmerized by what he did outside of his voice and his songs. You couldn’t take your eyes off him.

I think a lot of these shows are led obviously by performers, by musicians that take on this extra identity, you know? Much like Alice with what he does, much like with what I do with the Metal God. So to actually be in that world and to have seen some of these great acts perform, it’s inspiring, it’s motivating, you know?

When Priest got together we hadn’t got two nickels to rub together. We were trying to find ways to make a show right from day one. And in some instances you’d play a club and mysteriously a spotlight would appear in the back of the van. “Hey, we gotta take this. We’re gonna use this spot.” So you did a couple of those naughty things just to get the ball rolling.

It’s just one thing to give as much as you can in any performance to leave your fans with those metal memories.

Judas Priest continue to thrive some 50 years into your career, and soon fans will get a closer look behind the curtain. I understand there’s a documentary in the works and that you’re working with Tom Morello as one of the co-directors on the project. Obviously he’s been a champion of metal over the years. Can you speak about the relationship with Tom and how the experience has been allowing him and his crew to dig into the band’s history?

Whenever Tom comes into the room, he bursts into the room. This guy is so full of energy. He has an encyclopedic mind of all kinds of rock and metal music. He’s a hardcore Priest fan. He’s a great friend of mine and of the band. And to have this opportunity as we did to work with him on this first ever official documentary for Judas Priest with Sam Nunn out of Toronto, it was a great pairing.

READ MORE: Judas Priest Documentary Co-Directed by Tom Morello in Production

It’s just a beautiful in-depth look at the life story of Judas Priest done in a little bit of a different way ’cause it’s kind of a roundtable of other musicians talking about this band, what we’ve meant to them and their bands and their lives. To go from those discussions at the table into footage that you’ve not seen before,  hearing things that you’ve not heard before. So it’s a little bit different in that documentary sense.

He did an amazing job along with Sam and all of the other people and we’re excited to eventually have it out sometime this year on a full release.

Earlier this summer, we lost one of the greats. I know there’s a long history between yourself and the Osbourne family, and much has been said about Ozzy’s musical legacy. Do you have a story in your experiences with Ozzy that more speaks to who he was as a person and your interactions with him beyond the concert stage?

Well, only that he represented this other side of him that you didn’t see onstage, which is … Well, no. He gave everything onstage. When he walked out on stage, he was always beaming, you know? He loved his fans with such an extraordinary passion, but that existed offstage as well.

Whenever I’d see him, if I went to see his show, the first thing he would say to me was, “Did you have a good time? Did you enjoy yourself? Was it great?” And so that part of him, as a person, he was always giving stuff. He was always giving out, you know? He wasn’t a taking kind of guy. He was always like pushing stuff forward, paying it forward, whatever  that expression is. That part of Ozzy that we probably didn’t see much of existed when he wasn’t onstage.

He was an extraordinary man and I think that opportunity that he had through Sharon and working with The Osbournes, which was the first ever reality TV … he became our friend. You may not have ever met Ozzy but you knew him as a family guy and you knew him as being like… he’s like us, you know? There’s Ozzy onstage but look at him at home. I think that what drew him even further into us was our love for Ozzy Osbourne and everything that he’s left us with.

Rob, it’s been documented that the reason Judas Priest weren’t at Back to the Beginning was a previous commitment to honor another big milestone. How was it taking part in the 60th anniversary celebration of Scorpions and what has been your relationship with that band over the years?

It’s a joy to be able to do these kinds of … it’s not really a collaboration; it’s an homage to what Scorpions have done. We’ve known each other forever. Both of these bands go back a long way; Priest and Scorpions are friends outside music.

So when we had the call on tour prior to this event from Ossy Hoppy—a famous German producer—who said “Hey Rob can I have quick word?” I said “Yeah.” He said “Scorpions 60th anniversary next year blah blah blah Hanover.” I said “We’re there! Write us in! Pencil us in? No! Write it in sharpie!”

So that’s how we committed to honoring Scorpions’ wonderful 60th anniversary celebration; however some time later I got another call from Sharon regarding another event they made recently.

It was difficult saying “I can’t do it,” but that’s how it fell; however we were there in spirit!

Oh course!

As we said during our brief video message for Ozzy shown on big screens; probably even more important was our homage playing Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” as close as we could because you don’t mess around with such songs; instead give them respect through your sound—guitars drums bass voice—and say thank you for Black Sabbath’s legacy through their great music.

Judas Priest – “War Pigs”

Rob we were discussing Back to Beginning show along with your cover “War Pigs.” What an incredible version! Although I wasn’t there for Back To Beginning event itself; I watched entire nine-hour livestream; when “War Pigs” came up everyone cheered as if watching live performance—it was amazing! Tell us about plans for official release for this song!

The video has close to five million views on Black Sabbath’s official site which generously featured us because we’re friends forever! What’s cool waiting ahead is Ozzy singing along me doing “War Pigs.” We’ve managed it!

I can’t wait!

It’s there; however we’re going through legal clearances etc., but when Sharon approached me saying “I love your version—can we get Ozzy?” I replied “You’re asking me? This will happen!” We made it work so now you’ll hear alternating lines sung by both me & Ozzy!

This marks my first duet experience ever! I’m eternally grateful & blessed for this opportunity! When you hear it—it’s colossal! You may think you’ve heard enough from “War Pigs” but when combined together—it’ll take listeners somewhere special!

Please provide timeframe for release?

The green button’s almost ready! We’re finalizing artwork & other elements required before launch; expect something pretty soon! So everyone tune into Full Metal Jackie for updates!

This year marks 40th anniversary since Live Aid brought biggest acts together raising funds against famine affecting Ethiopia; what stands out regarding your participation & memorable moments from performance uniting diverse artists?

This memory stands vivid: Black Sabbath & Judas Priest performing together during Live Aid Philadelphia almost consecutively—life truly is beautiful! It’s extraordinary how bands intertwine across decades!

This summer while recording Turbo, which turns 40 next year alongside Sad Wings Of Destiny‘s 50th anniversary—what incredible times! Live Aid remains potent day doing immense good!

This lifestyle isn’t easy; few groups maintain cohesion over decades—what’s secret sustaining passion creating music alongside same individuals for fifty years? Why does it keep bringing back excitement musically?

If passionate about something—you’ll never reach end story! Same applies for Priest & Alice Cooper; even COC remains strong today—believing fuels unquenchable fire within us all!

You can’t extinguish flames ignited by passion—that’s how it works!

I recently interviewed Johannes from Avatar who mentioned vocal challenges faced while recording latest album—he referenced studying your methods seeking depth storytelling alongside soulful delivery enabling exploration beyond high notes known for!

You’re recognized among greatest singers within genre—what does influencing younger vocalists mean & which artists inspired growth throughout career?

I appreciate Johannes’ kind words; Avatar rocks! His voice astounds me!

I’ve drawn inspiration from Ian Gillan turning eighty recently along alongside Robert Plant Roger Daltrey Elvis—they shaped my early days profoundly! Great singers ignite flames within us encouraging exploration beyond limits!

Singers share stories regarding influences creating flames leading towards grander fires—they’re extraordinary individuals inspiring journeys ahead!

Pushed boundaries during Nostradamus, exploring vocal capabilities previously unknown—joy lies within discovering new dimensions through voice!

This moment finds focus upon touring yet creativity inspires future music endeavors—what drives artistic expression currently inspiring fresh material?

I’m always absorbing influences around me—music serves vital role daily life feeding inspiration fueling desire create records songs albums tours endlessly providing joy blessings ahead!

*Thanks Rob Halford for engaging interview.* Catch Rob & Judas Priest touring fall season ahead! Stay updated via website Facebook X Instagram TikTok accounts.* Find Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show here.*