Time has come: Judas Priest Announces 2026 Farewell Tour: ‘One Last Ride’ Marks the End of a Rock Legend’s Era – Dates and Cities Revealed
In a momentous announcement that has electrified the heavy metal world, British titans Judas Priest have confirmed what many fans have long anticipated—One Last Ride, their 2026 farewell tour. Kicking off in late spring and spanning multiple continents, the band’s final concert run promises a celebration of their unmatched 50-year legacy. Frontman Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, guitarist Richie Faulkner, and drummer Scott Travis will bring down the curtain on Europe, North America, and Latin America with a series of landmark performances.
A Legendary Band’s Swan Song
Judas Priest, formed in 1969 in Birmingham, England, catapulted into heavy metal history through their iconic twin-guitar attack, operatic vocals, and no-nonsense riffs. They pioneered the leather-clad aesthetic and soundtrack for dark rebellion—earning them names like “metal gods.” With legendary albums like British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, and Painkiller, the band has sold over 50 million units worldwide and influenced multiple generations of rock and metal acts.
While their recent performances and 2025 co-headlining run with Alice Cooper showed they still wield stadium power, the band has hinted at the inevitable: One Last Ride will be their curtain call.
Rob Halford, in a video message posted across social channels today, said: “This isn’t goodbye with regret—it’s farewell with pride. We’ve forged a path of fire and steel across the planet. Now, it’s time to bow out on our own terms—and give the fans one epic ride to end all rides.”
Dates and Cities: A Global Send-Off
The One Last Ride tour has been meticulously plotted to straddle the band’s most loyal markets, giving fans across continents one final opportunity to experience Judas Priest live. The 18-city extravaganza includes:
Europe
- May 15, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena (Birmingham being their hometown)
- June 1 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
- June 5 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
- June 9 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
- June 15 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena
North America
- July 2 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
- July 6 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- July 10 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- July 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
- July 18 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Latin America
- August 1 – São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
- August 5 – Mexico City, Mexico – Arena CDMX
- August 9 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Estadio River Plate
The tour concludes with one final headline show: August 15, 2026, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles—an iconic venue for an iconic band’s farewell.
What to Expect: Setlist, Production, and Farewell Surprises
With decades of groundbreaking music from which to draw, One Last Ride promises a setlist packed with hits and deep cuts. Expect staples like “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” “Painkiller,” “Electric Eye,” and “Hell Bent for Leather,” alongside fan-favorite deep tracks.
Stage production will be suitably monumental—Gnarly lighting rigs, pyro, illuminating cross logos, and an anticipated final encore featuring Halford emerging from pyrotechnic flames. The band’s management hints at “a few surprises,” including guest appearances by fellow metal titans Judas Priest have influenced, such as members of Accept or Megadeth. Rob Halford has also hinted at something deeply emotional: “We’re planning a segment that honors all those who’ve stood by us since the ’70s.”
A Farewell in Context: Why Now?
The timing of this farewell tour is significant. It follows a powerful wave of nostalgia across rock music; classic acts are harnessing the energy of long-term fans returning to arenas and new generations discovering the legends. For Judas Priest, halting now after more than five decades ensures they leave on a triumphant note—not a declining one.
Guitarist Glenn Tipton, who has been living with Parkinson’s since 2008, said, “This is the right time. The band is healthy, energetic, and hungry to put everything into one final tour.” Longtime bassist Ian Hill noted, “We could’ve kept going, but we want to make sure we deliver the best farewell possible. This was our last wave of inspiration.”
Reactions from Fans and Critics
The announcement sent shockwaves across fan channels. Nearly 20,000 followers on fan-run Reddit and Facebook groups have posted declarations like:
“This feels unreal—I’ve dreamt of seeing them at Madison Square Garden once, let alone for their final show.”
In Europe, blog Metal Hammer UK called it “the most emotional and grand discharge in rock history,” while Rolling Stone stated: “Judas Priest are going out swinging, not fading away.”
There’s also debate about one more thing fans crave: the lost album Judas Priest teased during the 2020 lockdown—some believe One Last Ride may be their last chance to hear it live, even if the album’s release is still up in the air.
Tickets, Logistics, and Fan Preservation
Tickets will go on pre-sale June 30, followed by general on-sale July 3. Most shows are expected to sell out in minutes. VIP packages, including “Nitrogen Pit Experiences” (complete with pre-show pyro chase, photo ops backstage, limited merch) are also available; prices vary by location but are likely to fly.
Importantly, the band has partnered with charity organization MusicCares to donate a portion of ticket proceeds to causes like music therapy, mental health programs, and Parkinson’s research.
Rock Legends Riding into the Sunset
Judas Priest’s One Last Ride isn’t just a tour—it’s the closure of an era. Few bands have shaped the DNA of heavy metal as decisively as they have. Decades of leather-clad defiance, blistering solos, and defiant spirits have burned across arenas, inspiring countless bands and diehard fans.
Halford concluded: “This ride has been our life. Now we feel it’s time to hand over the torch. We’re ending at elevation—hard, proud, and heavy. One Last Ride. Thank you for flying with us.”
