Sony Music are proud to announce the release of “War Pigs – Charity Version” featuring Ozzy Osbourne in collaboration with globally revered rock icons Judas Priest. This historic rendition of the Black Sabbath classic was released today, with all profits donated to The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s. Get it HERE.
This emotionally charged release unites the titans of British heavy metal one last time in a project born from friendship, mutual respect and a shared mission to fight Parkinson’s disease – a cause close to the hearts of both bands. Initially conceived as a tribute video for Ozzy and Black Sabbath after Judas Priest were unable to join them at the Aston Villa show due to prior commitments with The Scorpions’ 60th Anniversary show in Hannover, the project quickly grew in purpose and power.
When Judas Priest suggested turning the tribute into a full-blown charity single, the idea struck a chord with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. With Glenn Tipton contributing guitars despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, and Rob Halford and Ozzy Osbourne trading alternate vocal lines, the result is a raw, soaring, and poignant version of the iconic “War Pigs.”
A collaboration between the icons @judaspriest and @ozzyosbourne. All profits of Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd and Epic Records in the UK from audio streams, downloads, and physical sales of the recording ‘War Pigs (Charity Version)’ will be donated to The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s.
The entire metal world bows to a true icon. The sad news of Ozzy’s passing was confirmed on July 22nd via his official Instagram account. Just three weeks ago, fans had one last chance to see Ozzy and Black Sabbath live during their farewell show, Back To The Beginning, on June 5, 2025, in Birmingham – a moment that now resonates even more deeply.
The outpouring of tributes has been overwhelming. Countless artists from the rock and metal world have honored Ozzy and his legacy.
Robb Flynn (Machine Head) wrote on X:
“I’m deeply devastated by Ozzy’s passing. Both Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band have shaped my singing, my lyrics, my songwriting, and my guitar playing in ways that words can’t describe. I love you, Ozzy. Rest in peace with the greatest to ever do it.”
Matt Heafy (Trivium & Ibaraki) posted on Instagram:
“Rest in peace to the legend: Ozzy Osbourne Without Ozzy, I wouldn’t be doing what I do. I wouldn’t have gotten into Metallica. Which got me into Metal. Which made me trace the roots of where they got it from: the masters, Black Sabbath. Ozzfest 2005 changed our lives, download Ozzfest Day 2005 changed our lives again. Black Sabbath laid the foundation for all heavy music. For every heavy band anyone likes today. The world just lost a great one.”
“On a more personal note, the entire Osbourne family was instrumental in helping support and guide the early stages of Lamb of God’s career…they always believed in us. We are forever grateful….for the support and love they’ve shown us…and most of all for the music they’ve given to all of us.We love you Ozzy. ❤️”
“RIP @ozzyosbourne – like so many around the world, we are devastated by today’s news. Just over two weeks ago, the entire metal community gathered under Ozzy’s banner at Back To The Beginning to honor the legacy of Black Sabbath and their ultimate creation: heavy metal. For Anthrax, it was an honor to be part of it. Ozzy, thank you for everything. Simply put, none of us would be here without you. Our thoughts are with Sharon and the entire Osbourne family during this time.”
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath have shaped the DNA of heavy metal like few others. Without their sound, the world of heavy music wouldn’t be what it is today. With classics like ‘War Pigs’,‘Paranoid’, and ‘Iron Man’, they’ve inspired generations of musicians and fans
We also want to bow our heads and say thank you – for all the timeless songs, for the courage to always be different, and for an era that defined heavy metal forever. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sharon and the entire Osbourne family.
Former W.A.S.P. guitarist CHRIS HOLMES sat down with The Metal Voice on a live chat and discussed the legacy and his personal stories with Ozzy Osbourne.
Holmes spoke about the legacy of Ozzy, “Every time I’ve ever met the guy (OZZY), he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. I never heard him say anything mean to anybody or about anything. I will say that. He (Ozzy) went to the top of the mountain and stayed there his whole life, you got to give him credit for that. We went on top and never came down. He was on top forever. “
Holmes went on to talk about the time he had few BBQ’s with the Osbournes when he was married to Lita Ford and Ford was managed by Sharon Osbourne.
According to the BBC Metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025
In a statement, his family said “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
“He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness” and one of Rock’s most iconic frontmen, has passed away at 76.
The Osbourne family shared in a statement obtained by The Guardian:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne released a stripped-down version of their epic track “Gods of Rock N Roll” on July 1st across all streaming platforms, with a special vinyl limited edition double A side that features both versions of the song available July 4th via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group.
Earlier this year, the powerful orchestral version became a Top 10 Rock Radio hit, and now fans will experience the song in a whole new light with a stripped-down version that showcases Ozzy like never before.
Produced and reworked by Billy Morrison, this version removes the guitars and drums, and adds a bass track from Chris Chaney, allowing Ozzy’s unmistakable vocals to take center stage. The track features Fred Coury’s masterful orchestration and a hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar solo by Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), bringing new emotional depth to the already iconic song.
Available on all streaming platforms and on the limited-edition double A side vinyl.
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. Hisrecent collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, “Crack Cocaine,” soared to #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, further solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the rock world. The Morrison Project is a testament to his collaborative spirit and fearless commitment to creating boundary-breaking music that unites artists and genres in bold, unexpected ways.
On the heels of the tremendous success of The Morrison Projectand #1 song “Crack Cocaine”, rock guitarist Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne release an epic new single “Gods of Rock N Roll” through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group.
As reported by Forbes, the single debuts on two additional Billboard charts this time around.“This week, ‘Gods of Rock and Roll’ debuts highest on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart. On that list, Billboard’s ranking of the bestselling tunes that fit perfectly under the hard rock label, the single opens at No. 5,” says Forbes Senior Contributor, Hugh McIntyre. He adds, “‘Gods of Rock and Roll’ is also new to the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. That list takes into account all forms of consumption — sales, streams, and airplay. On the ranking, the single blasts in at No. 12.”
The song is already a Top 20 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit coming in at #16 this week!!
“Ozzy and I have breathed new life into what we always felt was a huge song. GODS OF ROCK N ROLL was written ten years ago in a South American hotel room, but with this re-recording we both feel we have finally made the song what it was always meant to be – a huge emotive ballad,” says Morrison.
He adds, “A huge portion of the song was completely re-recorded, the 61 piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra recorded the orchestral score composed by Fred Coury, and then the John Burroughs High School choir were added. Barry Pointer had the unenviable task of mixing 132 tracks and he did an incredible job. The end result is what happens when Ozzy Osbourne makes some suggestions, and Billy Morrison listens!”
The orchestral score was composed and arranged by Fred Coury, and the song was mixed by Barry Pointer and mastered by David Donnelly. The recording features the renowned Budapest Scoring Orchestra. ”Gods of Rock N Roll” showcases the talents of Billy Morrison on guitar, Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, and Steve Stevens on lead guitar.
Morrison states, “Having the opportunity to include everyone that was involved in the making of Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll and shoot it all for the video at NRG Studios was a dream come true for me. It was an amazing vibe, Ivo the Director captured the intimacy, and the fun that we had, and I believe the video truly represents the spirit of the song that Ozzy and I wrote. It’s wide reaching, cinematic and shows just how amazing Ozzy is to work with. I’m honored to be putting this out into the world.”
Ozzy told Kerrang!, “Billy and I wrote GODS OF ROCK N ROLL together in a hotel room while I was touring in South America about 10 years ago. This re-recorded version of the song finally has all the bells and whistles. I told Billy then that it needed an orchestra and a choir, but it took 10 FUCKING YEARS for him to listen to me.”
To add to the excitement, Morrison released a deluxe digital edition ofThe Morrison Project album on February 21st through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The deluxe edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks, including “Gods of Rock N Roll.” There is also a “stripped down” mix of just the orchestra and Ozzy that will be available soon.
Morrison explains,“I have always wanted the opportunity to do an expanded, ‘Deluxe’ version of a record. It’s basically where you get to have some fun, remix some things, and include songs that mean something personal. Thanks to the guys at TLG ZOID, I have been given that opportunity! So to have YOUTH from KILLING JOKE actually mix an amazing dub version of We Are The Dead, to have JEFF LANE throw down an incredibly different remix of Crack Cocaine, and to have my track with Cypress Hill all on the extra disc is just a fantastic feeling! Plus I got the opportunity to remix Dystopia myself and did the whole half-time vibe that I was originally playing with, back when I wrote it.”
Tickets for Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance with Black Sabbath go on sale TODAY! Get your tickets HERE!
Billy Morrison, the British guitarist, singer, and songwriter is primarily known as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. Hisrecent collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens, “Crack Cocaine,” soared to #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart, further solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the rock world. The Morrison Project is a testament to his collaborative spirit and fearless commitment to creating boundary-breaking music that unites artists and genres in bold, unexpected ways.
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