In 1989, Faith No More released their breakthrough album The Real Thing , a genre-defying classic that launched them into the mainstream rock and metal spotlight. Driven by the explosive success of their hit single “Epic” , the album showcased the band’s dynamic fusion of funk, metal, and alternative rock. But among its standout tracks was a bold and passionate cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” —a decision that would eventually lead to an unforgettable and emotional encounter with Ozzy Osbourne himself.
Faith No More’s Rise with The Real Thing
With The Real Thing , Faith No More didn’t just score a radio hit—they redefined what was possible within metal and alternative music. “Epic” became an MTV staple, but the album’s deeper cuts, including the “War Pigs” cover, revealed the band’s raw power and reverence for heavy metal legends like Black Sabbath .
In 1990, Faith No More was named “Band of the Year” by Rip Magazine . As part of the honor, they were invited to perform at the Rip Magazine Awards in Los Angeles, sharing the stage with none other than James Hetfield of Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne .
“We couldn’t believe it,” drummer Mike Bordin told Metal Hammer . “We got up and played with Hetfield and Ozzy and it was incredible.”
Ozzy Confronts Faith No More About “War Pigs”
Following the performance, a Hollywood afterparty brought many of the night’s musicians together. It was there that Ozzy Osbourne approached Bordin—and questioned the band’s decision to include “War Pigs” on their album.
“He said to me, ‘Why did you guys do ‘War Pigs’ on the album? Are you taking the piss?’” Bordin recalled. “It caught me off guard. It was the last thing I’d expect someone responsible for such iconic music to say.”
A Moment of Honesty That Changed Everything
At the time, Ozzy was struggling privately. He had recently been arrested for a violent incident involving his wife, Sharon Osbourne , and was entering a period of rehabilitation and recovery. His emotional state was fragile, and Bordin could see the pain in his expression.
“He looked so sad, man,” Bordin remembered. “I launched into this long story about how when I was young, my mom killed herself. I didn’t have much of a family. Things changed for me when I heard Sabbath.”
Bordin opened up about how Black Sabbath’s dark, heavy music helped him survive his most difficult years.
“I told him, ‘You saved my life.’ That music said, ‘You’re not alone.’ It really hit him. I had to tell him what he meant to me.”
From Fan to Bandmate: Mike Bordin Joins Ozzy Osbourne
The moment left a lasting impression. A few years later, Ozzy Osbourne invited Mike Bordin to join his band as his full-time drummer . The two recorded two studio albums together and toured the world, forming a powerful musical partnership that began with a heartfelt confession at a Hollywood party.
Why Faith No More’s “War Pigs” Cover Still Matters
Faith No More’s cover of “War Pigs” wasn’t just a tribute—it was a lifeline. For Bordin, it was the ultimate expression of gratitude. For Ozzy, it was a powerful reminder of the emotional impact his music had made on generations of fans.
This story is a testament to the power of music to connect, heal, and transform . And it all started with a cover song that came from a place of love and respect.
