An Open Letter to the Metal Masses: The Time Has Come — Metallica and Judas Priest Announce Epic Final Joint Tour dates and cities revealed
The metal world has just been shaken to its molten core. After decades of dominance, two of the most powerful forces in heavy music—Metallica and Judas Priest—have united for what they are calling their “Final Testament”: an earth-shattering co-headlining farewell tour across the globe.
In a heartfelt joint open letter posted to their official websites and social media platforms earlier today, the bands revealed their epic final run together, marking the end of an era for the genre they helped define. The message, signed by all current members of both groups, read like a battle cry, a farewell, and a celebration all at once:
“To the fans who built this empire with us — the time has come. We’re hitting the road together for one final march. Metallica. Judas Priest. Two legacies. One last ride. Let’s make it thunder.”
The Final Testament: More Than a Tour
The “Final Testament” World Tour will launch in March 2026, with the first show scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, before blazing across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia through the end of the year.
What makes this tour truly historic is not just the pairing of two of the most iconic bands in metal history—it’s that this marks the final large-scale touring effort from both.
“It’s about brotherhood, fire, and finishing what we started—with the ones who understand it best,” said Rob Halford of Judas Priest in a special video announcement.
“Metallica and Priest—we’ve crossed paths for decades. Now we walk the same road to the finish line.”
James Hetfield of Metallica added:
“This isn’t goodbye to music. This is goodbye to the grind. It’s time to close the touring chapter with a bang—our biggest, loudest, most intense ever.”
The Tour: Cities, Dates, and Structure
The initial wave of 30 cities has been confirmed, with more to come. Highlights include:
- March 14 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- March 21 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
- April 3 – New York, NY – MetLife Stadium
- May 1 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
- May 8 – Paris, France – Stade de France
- June 15 – São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
- July 20 – Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
Each show will feature two massive headline sets, with Judas Priest opening the night, followed by an extended performance from Metallica. However, special encore collaborations are promised—and confirmed rumors suggest fans can expect duets, mashups, and never-before-heard arrangements of classics like “Breaking the Law”, “Painkiller”, “Master of Puppets”, and “One”.
Fan Reaction: A Mix of Elation and Heartache
The announcement has set the global metal community ablaze, with fans both ecstatic and emotional over the chance to see their heroes share the stage—for the last time.
- “Metallica and Priest on one stage. My teenage dreams are screaming.” – @RideTheLightningFan
- “End of an era, but what a way to go out.” – @BritishSteelBabe
- “Can’t believe we’re lucky enough to witness this. Metal gods to the end.” – @JusticeForAll1988
Social media platforms have erupted with tribute posts, countdowns, and fan art, while ticketing websites have already set up pre-registration portals in anticipation of massive demand.
Tickets, VIP Access, and Special Editions
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 12 at 10:00 AM local time, via Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and each band’s official sites. Fans can also register early for verified fan presales beginning July 9.
VIP packages will offer experiences such as:
- Meet-and-greets with members of both bands
- Access to pre-show soundcheck events
- Limited-edition merch bundles
- Behind-the-scenes tour documentaries
- Commemorative vinyl box sets titled Final Testament: Legacy Edition, featuring re-recordings, unreleased demos, and a new collaborative track exclusive to the tour
More Than Just a Goodbye — It’s a Celebration
While both bands have clarified this is not the end of their music careers—studio projects, archival releases, and side endeavors may continue—this is the final chapter of their touring legacy.
“We’ve seen it all. Lived through it all,” said Lars Ulrich in a post-interview with Rolling Stone.
“This tour is the thank-you letter, the full-circle ride. We’re doing it for the fans who stuck with us from garage shows to stadiums. This one’s for you.”
A Farewell Worthy of Titans
The “Final Testament” isn’t just a tour—it’s the last great thunderstorm of heavy metal’s golden gods. Two monumental bands, side by side. A shared legacy. One last roar.
For those who’ve ever raised a fist, screamed a chorus, or found salvation in the distortion—this is your moment.
The time has come.
