NEW ERA: Judas Priest Announces 2026 Farewell Tour — ‘One Last Ride’ Marks the End of a Rock Legend’s Era, Dates and Cities Revealed
In a moment that reverberated across the global heavy metal community, Judas Priest has officially announced their 2026 Farewell Tour, aptly titled “One Last Ride”. This tour marks the closing chapter of an extraordinary five-decade career that helped forge the very foundation of heavy metal music. With a legacy that has spanned generations, continents, and genres, the announcement was both a celebration and a poignant reminder that even the loudest legends must eventually take a final bow.
The band made the announcement early this morning via a powerful video montage posted across social media, featuring iconic moments from their career set to the blazing backdrop of “Electric Eye.” The video concluded with the words: “JUDAS PRIEST 2026: ONE LAST RIDE — The End Begins.” The announcement was followed by an official press release revealing the first round of dates and cities.
A Tour for the Ages
The One Last Ride tour is set to kick off on March 21, 2026, in Birmingham, UK—the band’s hometown and birthplace of heavy metal. From there, the tour will cover major cities across Europe and North America, with additional dates in South America and Asia expected to be announced in the coming months.
Officially Announced Dates:
- March 21, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
- March 24, 2026 – London, UK – The O2
- March 28, 2026 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
- April 1, 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
- April 5, 2026 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
- April 12, 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – Friends Arena
- May 2, 2026 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden
- May 6, 2026 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- May 10, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
- May 15, 2026 – Mexico City, Mexico – Foro Sol
- June 3, 2026 – São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
Tickets go on sale starting July 15, 2025, with exclusive pre-sales available to fan club members and VIP packages offering backstage access and commemorative memorabilia.
A Career Carved in Steel
Formed in 1969, Judas Priest has been instrumental in shaping the sound, aesthetic, and attitude of heavy metal. Their albums British Steel (1980), Screaming for Vengeance (1982), and Painkiller (1990) are widely regarded as metal masterpieces. Fronted by the irrepressible Rob Halford, often dubbed the “Metal God,” the band became known for its twin-guitar assault, leather-and-studs image, and unwavering commitment to the genre.
Their influence stretches far and wide, from thrash and power metal to modern metalcore. Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and countless others cite Judas Priest as a foundational influence.
Rob Halford, now 74, reflected on the tour in the press release:
“This isn’t goodbye—it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together. The fans have been our engine, our fire, our reason for every scream and riff. We want One Last Ride to be a monument to heavy metal, forged with love, steel, and fury.”
Fans React with Emotion and Gratitude
Unsurprisingly, social media exploded in the wake of the announcement. The hashtag #OneLastRide trended globally within minutes. Fans across the globe shared concert memories, album covers, and emotional tributes to a band that has been more than music—it’s been a lifestyle, a source of strength, and a badge of honor.
One Twitter user posted, “Judas Priest got me through my darkest days. One Last Ride means one last thank you. I’ll be there in the front row in Birmingham.”
What Comes After?
While the band emphasized this will be their final tour, they left the door slightly ajar for possible one-off performances or studio work in the future. However, the message was clear: One Last Ride is the final major road trip of Judas Priest’s storied journey.
A Legacy Sealed in Metal
As Judas Priest gears up for their final run, the music world prepares to say farewell to a band whose impact is nothing short of monumental. One Last Ride won’t just be a tour—it will be a historic event that honors a band that helped define the sound, soul, and spirit of heavy metal.
From Birmingham steel to global stages, Judas Priest’s flame will never die—it will simply ride into legend.
