UK, Are You Ready? Judas Priest Announce First Official Date of Their 2025 “Metal Gods: Final Dominion” Farewell Tour — The Metal Legends Set to Ignite London’s O2 Arena in Explosive Kickoff
The UK is bracing for impact. Not from storms or politics—but from pure, undiluted heavy metal thunder. The legendary Judas Priest have just announced the first official date of their much-anticipated 2025 “Metal Gods: Final Dominion” Farewell Tour, and it’s set to erupt with power, legacy, and ferocity at none other than London’s iconic O2 Arena on Friday, July 4, 2025.
After more than five decades of trailblazing metal history, Priest are gearing up to deliver a final, full-force celebration of everything they’ve stood for. And the United Kingdom—where their journey began—is the only place fitting to light the first flame of this historic farewell.
The Final Dominion Begins in London
For Judas Priest, returning to London for the tour’s kickoff isn’t just a strategic move—it’s deeply personal. Formed in Birmingham in 1969, the band helped birth the very essence of heavy metal from the industrial heart of the UK. Now, after global domination and immortal albums like British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, and Painkiller, the band is coming full circle.
“This isn’t the end of the road,” said frontman Rob Halford in a passionate video message.
“It’s the final battle cry. And we’re starting it where it all began—with our metal family in the UK.”
The “Metal Gods: Final Dominion” Tour — What to Expect
The tour is named after their upcoming and final studio album, Metal Gods: Final Dominion, slated for release in late May 2025. While details are scarce, insiders describe the album as “a return to blistering, classic Priest riffage” combined with “cinematic, apocalyptic themes”—a true parting statement for the ages.
The O2 Arena show will launch a 40-date global run across:
- Europe (Manchester, Paris, Oslo, Berlin, Madrid)
- North America (New York, Chicago, Toronto, L.A.)
- South America, Japan, and Australia later in the year
With a massive new stage design being constructed—reportedly themed around a “burning cathedral of metal”—and elaborate pyrotechnics, synchronized visuals, and Halford’s famous motorcycle entrance, the farewell tour promises theatrical power on a biblical scale.
Fans React to the Announcement
Within hours of the announcement, UK metalheads unleashed an outpouring of emotion across social media platforms. Hashtags like #FinalDominionUK, #JudasPriestO2, and #MetalGodsForever surged on X and Instagram, with fans calling the farewell tour “the most important metal moment of the decade.”
- “Priest forged the genre. We owe them everything. London will ROAR.” – @BritishSteelFan
- “Getting tickets if I have to sell my soul to the devil (or at least my PlayStation).” – @Painkiller76
- “One last stand. One last scream. Priest forever.” – @HalfordHearts
Rock critics and musicians have already begun paying tribute, with Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson calling the tour “a moment of passage for every true metalhead,” and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich tweeting, “Wouldn’t be a stage without Priest. Respect eternal.”
Tickets, Special Packages & Farewell Exclusives
Tickets for the July 4 O2 Arena kickoff go on sale Friday, June 28 at 9:00 AM BST, through Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the official Judas Priest website.
Tiered ticketing includes:
- General admission and seated tickets (£85–£145)
- “Metal Gods Elite” VIP Package – Early venue access, commemorative tour book, exclusive merchandise, and a signed photo print
- “Hell Patrol Experience” – Includes backstage tour, Rob Halford meet-and-greet, and access to a private acoustic rehearsal
- Limited Edition Vinyl + Tour Merch – Each UK stop offers exclusive copies of Metal Gods: Final Dominion and tour-specific apparel
Additionally, the band has confirmed they will film the London concert for a future live concert documentary—giving fans a chance to be immortalized in metal history.
A Legacy Set in Steel
Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and Richie Faulkner have together overcome decades of trials—from changing trends to health battles—to remain one of the most respected and resilient bands in metal history. Their influence on generations of artists is unquestionable.
And now, as Halford thundered in the final lines of the announcement video:
“This is not a goodbye to the music. This is a goodbye to the road. We’re still the defenders of the faith. But now—we ask you to stand with us one last time… and SCREAM FOR PRIEST!”
UK, This Is Your Metal Moment
Mark the date. Charge your battle jackets. The countdown has begun.
On July 4, 2025, London becomes the epicenter of heavy metal history as Judas Priest roar into the O2 Arena for one final ride through fire, fury, and thunder.
This is the Final Dominion.
And it begins in the land that forged the flame.
