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 thunderous and emotional revelation that shook the heavy metal world to its core, British metal titans Judas Priest have officially announced their 2026 Farewell Tour, aptly titled “One Last Ride.” The tour marks the final curtain call for one of the most influential and trailblazing bands in the history of rock music. With an illustrious career spanning over five decades, the group is preparing to bid farewell to their fans around the globe with a series of explosive performances that promise to celebrate their legacy in the most electrifying way possible.
The news broke early Monday morning via a video posted across the band’s official social media platforms. It featured frontman Rob Halford, the iconic “Metal God” himself, standing before a wall of amps, speaking directly to the camera.
“It’s been a hell of a ride, and now, it’s time for One Last Ride. We want to thank our fans who’ve been with us from the beginning, and those who joined along the way. 2026 will be a celebration of Judas Priest — our music, our journey, and our unbreakable bond with the heavy metal family.”
Tour Overview: A Global Metal Sendoff
“One Last Ride” is slated to kick off in April 2026 in Birmingham, England — fittingly, the birthplace of both Judas Priest and heavy metal itself. From there, the band will embark on a whirlwind journey across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, playing over 50 dates in stadiums and arenas packed with decades of metalheads.
The farewell tour will conclude in Los Angeles, California on October 31, 2026, bringing to an end a monumental era of metal.
Dates and Cities Revealed (Partial List):
United Kingdom & Europe
- April 5 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
- April 8 – London, UK – The O2
- April 12 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
- April 15 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
- April 20 – Stockholm, Sweden – Friends Arena
- April 25 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
North America
- May 10 – New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden
- May 14 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- May 18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- May 25 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
- May 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
- June 5 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
- June 10 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
- October 31 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena (Final Show)
South America, Asia & Oceania Dates are expected to be announced in July.
Band Members Reflect
In a press conference streamed live following the announcement, Rob Halford was joined by bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, and drummer Scott Travis. They spoke candidly about the decision to retire from touring, emphasizing the desire to go out on a high note.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on our live performances,” said Hill. “And we want the final shows to be just as powerful, just as raw, and just as memorable as the ones we did in the ’70s or ’80s.”
Richie Faulkner, who joined Priest in 2011 and helped usher in a new generation of fans, called it an “honor and privilege” to share the stage with the legendary band and vowed that the tour would be “nothing short of a full-blown metal celebration.”
Legacy Beyond the Tour
With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, Judas Priest helped define the sound, look, and attitude of heavy metal. Albums like “British Steel,” “Screaming for Vengeance,” and “Painkiller” are cornerstones of the genre. Their influence can be heard in countless bands across generations, from Metallica and Slayer to Ghost and Power Trip.
Fans can also expect a deluxe 50th Anniversary Box Set release in early 2026, as well as a Netflix documentary titled “Breaking the Law: The Story of Judas Priest”, set to premiere in tandem with the tour.
Tickets and Pre-sale Info
Tickets for “One Last Ride” go on sale July 15, 2025, with exclusive fan-club pre-sales starting July 10. VIP packages will include meet-and-greet opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and soundcheck access.
Fans are encouraged to act fast, as demand is expected to be immense.
Farewell, But Never Forgotten
As the world prepares to say goodbye to Judas Priest on the road, one thing is certain: though the touring may end, the music will live forever. For millions, Judas Priest isn’t just a band — it’s a way of life. And 2026 will be the final opportunity to ride the metal storm, one last time.
