Metal Legends Judas Priest and Slayer Join Forces for Epic Tribute Album and Co-Headlining Tour — ‘In Loving Memory Of…’ Sparks Excitement Across the Metal World
In a moment that has sent shockwaves of pure adrenaline through the heavy metal universe, Judas Priest and Slayer, two of the most iconic and influential bands in metal history, have announced an unexpected and thunderous collaboration: a joint tribute album titled “In Loving Memory Of…” alongside a global co-headlining tour of the same name.
The news dropped early Monday morning via a surprise livestream hosted by both bands’ official social media pages. The livestream featured Rob Halford and Kerry King seated together in a studio adorned with candles, vintage tour posters, and black-and-chrome decor, setting the tone for what is being hailed as “the most emotional and powerful tribute in metal history.”
A Tribute to Fallen Brothers of Metal
The album, “In Loving Memory Of…”, is a solemn yet savage homage to the late legends of metal—most notably Slayer’s own Jeff Hanneman, Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, and Dio’s Ronnie James Dio. The record will feature original compositions, reimagined covers, and emotionally charged tributes that draw from the legacy of those who helped shape the genre.
According to a joint press release, the idea for the project was born during an impromptu backstage jam session at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Halford and King began discussing how many of their peers were no longer here—and how their influence deserved more than mere memories.
“We’re not just honoring them,” Rob Halford stated, “we’re channeling their spirits into every riff, every lyric, every scream. This is a sacred duty for us.”
The album features contributions from both bands’ current and former members, including Scott Travis, Tom Araya, Ian Hill, and Gary Holt. Special guests include Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne, Corey Taylor, and Bruce Dickinson, adding a layer of reverence and unity rarely seen in the often-fragmented world of metal.
Tracklist Revealed
Here’s a glimpse of the confirmed tracklist:
- Echoes of Hanneman – Slayer
- Stand Tall (For Lemmy) – Judas Priest
- Heaven Still Cries (For Dio) – Featuring Bruce Dickinson
- The Brotherhood Lives – Judas Priest x Slayer
- Floods of Fire – Featuring Zakk Wylde & Kerry King
- Blood in the Pit (Dimebag’s Anthem) – Slayer
- Ride On, Angel of Metal – Halford solo vocal piece
- Endless Rage – Joint instrumental tribute
- Raise the Black Flag – Closing track feat. all guests
The album is set for worldwide release on September 13, 2025, coinciding with what would have been Dio’s 83rd birthday.
The ‘In Loving Memory Of…’ Global Tour
In what many are already calling a historic event, the two titans of metal are joining forces for a massive 30-date co-headlining world tour, kicking off on October 5, 2025, in Los Angeles, and ending in Birmingham, UK, on December 22. Each concert will feature alternating headliners, collaborative performances, and a special encore every night where both bands share the stage to perform the new material live.
Tour Dates (First 5 Shows):
- Oct 5 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- Oct 9 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
- Oct 13 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- Oct 18 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden
- Oct 22 – São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
A portion of the tour’s proceeds will be donated to music charities including the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, Metal For Life Foundation, and Road Crew Relief, supporting aging and retired crew members in the live touring industry.
Metal Community Reacts
Reactions from the metal world have been swift and euphoric.
“This is beyond legendary,” wrote Slipknot’s Corey Taylor on X (formerly Twitter). “Two of my biggest influences honoring the fallen heroes who made us who we are. I’m humbled to be a part of it.”
Fans have already dubbed the collaboration “the Avengers: Endgame of metal,” with pre-orders for the album surging and early ticket registrations crashing several ticketing sites within hours of the announcement.
Legacy Meets Legacy
Both Judas Priest and Slayer have long stood as pillars in metal’s cathedral of chaos. Judas Priest, the British behemoth that defined heavy metal in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and Slayer, the thrash juggernaut whose aggression redefined metal in the ‘80s and ‘90s, are now uniting for a cause greater than themselves.
“We’re doing this not just for those we lost, but for the fans and future of metal,” said Kerry King. “Metal never dies—it evolves, and it remembers.”
With “In Loving Memory Of…”, the torch of legacy burns brighter than ever. And for those who live and breathe the sound of thunder, this is more than music—this is a resurrection.
