Judas Priest recently delivered a deeply emotional tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following his passing on July 22, 2025 at age 76. The band’s heartfelt response came on two fronts:
🖋️ The Official Statement
As reported on July 22, Judas Priest released a statement on social media expressing profound grief:
“Our hearts are broken like millions around the world. Words can’t express the love and loss we are all feeling… Ozzy, you will never leave us — your music is eternal.”
🎤 Live Dedication: Giants in the Sky
On July 23, during their gig at Scarborough Open Air Theatre in England—just one day after Ozzy’s death was announced—Rob Halford and Judas Priest paused their set to deliver a moving tribute:
•Halford acknowledged the shared grief: “It’s been tough the last 24 hours… he would want us to be together having a good time… We love you, Ozzy!”
•They introduced “Giants in the Sky”, framing it as an homage to Ozzy and other departed rock legends, with imagery of faces like Lemmy, Chris Cornell, Christine McVie, and now Ozzy projected during the performance.
🎶 Studio Tribute: War Pigs Cover
On July 2, ahead of Black Sabbath’s farewell concert (July 5 in Birmingham, Back to the Beginning), Judas Priest released a studio cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”. The band earlier had confirmed they were unavailable to perform at the farewell show due to a scheduling conflict—on the same night, they had committed to Scorpions’ 60th anniversary concert in Hannover, Germany. In their statement, they said:
“We are honored to show our love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath with our homage of ‘War Pigs’, a song we play at every show around the world…”
📋 Summary Table
Tribute Type Details
Official Message Band’s statement mourning Ozzy’s passing, affirming his musical legacy
Live Dedication Rob Halford’s poignant address at Scarborough, introducing “Giants in the Sky”
Studio Cover Released cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” in solidarity, though not present at final show
These gestures highlight just how deeply Ozzy Osbourne influenced Judas Priest—and how personal their farewell felt. Their words and music paid homage to not only a fellow British metal pioneer, but a lifelong friend and creative linchpin of the genre.
🛠️ Context: Black Sabbath’s Final Show
Black Sabbath’s farewell benefit concert, Back to the Beginning, took place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham—their first performance together in 20 years. Proceeds (£140 million) supported charities including Cure Parkinson’s and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Judas Priest were invited but couldn’t attend due to their prior commitment in Germany.
The metal community has poured in tributes from all corners—generations of fans, fellow musicians, and media—with Judas Priest’s gestures standing out for their sincerity and long history with Ozzy.
