Last Saturday marked the end of an era as Black Sabbath delivered their farewell live performance in their hometown of Birmingham. The night was a celebration of their pioneering spirit in heavy metal, and as tributes poured in from rock’s elite, one hometown act rose above the rest.
Judas Priest’s Electrifying Salute
Fellow Birmingham legends Judas Priest surprised fans by dedicating a blistering cover of “War Pigs,” the opening track from Black Sabbath’s 1970 masterpiece. Posted on Black Sabbath’s official YouTube channel, the video went viral almost instantly, soaring past 2.5 million views in just five days.
From the moment the first distorted chord rang out, it was clear this wasn’t a simple tribute. Rob Halford, at 73, channels Ozzy’s original lyrics with his own commanding roar, his voice as powerful and dynamic as during Priest’s golden years of the 1980s. Clad in spiked leather and chains, the band injects fresh energy into every riff, weaving their signature gallop into Sabbath’s dark, ominous melody.
The production is immaculate: thunderous drum hits crackle beneath layers of guitar feedback, and those iconic air-raid sirens blast through with bone-chilling realism. Yet it’s the subtle tweaks—the more aggressive guitar bends, the tightened rhythmic punch—that push “War Pigs” fully into the modern era.
The Message Resounds Anew
Even as the riffs scream forward, the protest lyrics retain their punch: “Politicians hide themselves away / They only started the war / Why should they go out to fight? / They leave that all to the poor.” In 2025, the words feel as urgent as ever, reminding us why Black Sabbath’s music endures.
Judas Priest weren’t alone in honoring Ozzy’s legacy. Jack Black and an all-star lineup from School of Rock delivered a wild take on “Mr. Crowley,” racking up millions of views in a matter of days.
A Gathering of Metal Titans
The final show—aptly titled “Back To The Beginning”—assembled a who’s-who of heavy metal royalty: Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and more. Together, they paid homage to the band whose dark riffs and haunting lyrics forged an entire genre.
In a scene often defined by brutality and bravado, these tributes were moments of genuine camaraderie and respect. It was as though the metal community had paused to celebrate Black Sabbath’s living legacy before they stepped off the stage for the last time.
Judas Priest’s rendition of “War Pigs” stands as a defining moment—proof that even a cover can carry the raw, unrelenting power of the original while forging its own identity. For fans old and new, it’s a reminder that the thunder of Sabbath’s music will echo for generations to come.