Metal God Rob Halford of Judas Priest is with us for an Audacy Check In, here to update us on the latest from the iconic band, and share stories about the making of their new charity version of "War Pigs," featuring vocals from Ozzy Osbourne recorded before his passing.
LISTEN NOW: Audacy Check In with Judas Priest
"War Pigs" has long been a staple of Judas Priest's live show, and now a new version has arrived featuring vocals from Ozzy Osbourne, and it's all for a great cause. All profits from audio streams, downloads, and physical sales of the recording, are being donated to The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s.
"When we first came up with this idea of making what we call, the Judas Priest Heavy Metal style of 'War Pigs,' we knew we had to tread carefully because it's such a beloved song for Sabbath fans, Ozzy fans all over the world," Halford shares with Abe Kanan. "So, we wanted to make sure that we didn't go too far away from the original classic concept idea."
Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2008, however he first revealed the news to fans in 2018 when he stepped away from touring with the band. A few short years later, Ozzy shared his own Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020. Now the band is raising money with a new massive version of the classic track.
"My voice in that song is in the same kind of tonal range as Ozzy, which makes it work even better, you know? It really feels like it was destined to be," he adds. "All the contributions are going to Cure Parkinson's, which was Ozzy's big foundation. And then, of course, Glenn Tipton's foundation."
Halford admits he still has a lot to give the Metal community and fans around the world. "In my heart, I can't see me ever stopping," Rob reveals. "It's vital to me, I have to do this. I have to do this this work, this Metal work. It sustains me. It keeps me motivated. And all great things are happening now more than ever before, so, who would want to stop that, you know?"
To hear from Rob Halford on keeping his voice in shape, the resurgence of Metal, and more, check out the full Audacy Check In above.