WE ARE HONORED TO SHOW OUR LOVE FOR Richie Blackmore Deep purple WITH OUR HOMAGE OF ‘WAR PIGS’ – A SONG WE PLAY AT EVERY SHOW AROUND THE WORLD THAT FANS SING ALONG TO – REINFORCING THEIR LOVE AS WELL FOR THE LEGENDARY PRINCE OF DARKNESS….!! JUDAS PRIEST

E ARE HONORED TO SHOW OUR LOVE FOR RITCHIE BLACKMORE & DEEP PURPLE WITH OUR HOMAGE OF ‘WAR PIGS’ – A SONG WE PLAY AT EVERY SHOW AROUND THE WORLD THAT FANS SING ALONG TO – REINFORCING THEIR LOVE AS WELL FOR THE LEGENDARY PRINCE OF DARKNESS….!! – JUDAS PRIEST

At every thunderous show across the globe, there’s one song that always sends shivers down our spines and ignites a fire in the hearts of fans everywhere—War Pigs. It’s more than a song—it’s a moment. A statement. A salute to the power of heavy music. And for us in Judas Priest, it’s also a heartfelt homage to the pioneers who laid the foundations of metal: none more so than the incomparable Ritchie Blackmore and the mighty Deep Purple.

Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar playing was and still is nothing short of revolutionary. His legendary riffs, technical precision, and raw emotion changed rock and heavy metal forever. From the first electrifying notes of Highway Star to the anthemic majesty of Smoke on the Water, Blackmore and Deep Purple forged a sound that inspired countless bands—including us.

We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the artists who came before us, and we never forget it. Playing War Pigs—a song forever connected to another legendary titan, Black Sabbath and the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne—is our way of showing that love. Though the song originates with Sabbath, its spirit carries the influence of so many greats, including Blackmore and his iconic work. Every night we perform it, we can feel the connection between fans, musicians, and the history we all share.

The roar of the crowd when the opening chords hit, the voices singing every word with passion—it’s more than nostalgia. It’s living history. It’s the global metal family coming together in celebration of the sounds that shaped generations.

We are proud to be a part of that legacy, and prouder still to carry the torch forward. Our homage through War Pigs is a salute not only to Sabbath and Ozzy, but to Ritchie Blackmore and Deep Purple, whose influence is woven deep into the DNA of Judas Priest. Without them, the story of heavy metal wouldn’t be what it is today.

So, to the fans—thank you for singing with us. To the legends—thank you for the music. And to Ritchie Blackmore—we raise our horns in your honor. Your brilliance continues to inspire, ignite, and echo across every stage we play.

The Priest rides on—loud, proud, and forever grateful.