Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford was overcome with grief following the passing of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, revealing that upon hearing the news, he “curled up in a ball and bawled [his] eyes out for hours” while on tour in England. The emotional toll lingered heavily, as Halford admitted he’s “still grieving like so many people.”
The next evening, during a performance in Scarborough, Halford honored Ozzy’s memory by incorporating him into the band’s reflective anthem “Giants in the Sky,” a fitting homage to lost legends. Ozzy’s warmth and generosity—he was known for checking in on Halford before shows—left an indelible mark on him.
Although he regretfully missed Ozzy’s final concert in Birmingham due to scheduling conflicts, Halford’s sorrow was palpable. He described Ozzy as the “embodiment of kindness” within the metal community and committed to keeping his spirit alive through memories and music. Judas Priest also paid their respects by releasing a heartfelt cover of Sabbath’s classic “War Pigs” on social media.
In the wake of a monumental loss, Halford and Judas Priest have chosen to channel their grief into celebration—through cathartic tributes and the enduring unity that defines metal culture.
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