An Open Letter: The End of a Rock Legend’s Era Is Near — Judas Priest Announces 2026 Farewell Tour: “One Last Ride”.
To the mighty legions of metalheads across the globe:
It is with a mix of thunderous excitement and heartfelt emotion that we share the news—Judas Priest, the gods of heavy metal, have officially announced their farewell tour, titled “One Last Ride”, set for 2026. This monumental tour will mark the final chapter in a saga that began over five decades ago, electrifying generations with blazing guitar solos, soaring vocals, leather-clad power, and anthems that have defined the genre.
As Rob Halford once sang, “The pain is driving me insane,” and this announcement brings with it a bittersweet edge. The pain is real—for fans who have followed the band from their early days in Birmingham to their world-dominating tours, to the halls of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Priest isn’t bowing out quietly—they’re going out with the power and pride only they can deliver.
“One Last Ride”: A Farewell to Remember
The 2026 farewell tour is more than just a series of concerts—it’s a celebration of the music, the legacy, and the unbreakable bond between Judas Priest and their fans. This tour promises a setlist packed with classics from British Steel, Painkiller, Screaming for Vengeance, and Firepower, plus rare deep cuts that longtime followers will relish hearing live one final time.
Rob Halford, the iconic “Metal God,” delivered the message with his signature humility and strength:
> “This band has been our life. Our fans are our family. And as we take this final ride, we’re going to give everything we’ve got—because you’ve given us everything.”
Founding member Ian Hill added:
> “It’s been an incredible journey. From pubs to arenas to stadiums, we did it together—with the fans at the core. Now it’s time to close the circle with a thunderous goodbye.”
The Legacy of Judas Priest
Formed in 1969, Judas Priest redefined what heavy metal meant. They didn’t just play metal—they became the blueprint. From the dueling guitars of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing to the operatic range of Halford, the band broke boundaries and inspired generations of musicians, from Metallica to Iron Maiden, Pantera to Slipknot. Their sound combined ferocity with finesse, always pushing the envelope while staying true to their roots.
Priest survived changing musical landscapes, internal shakeups, and the relentless passage of time. Through it all, they kept the flame alive, delivering album after album with unrelenting force. And now, over 50 million albums sold later, they’re closing out the era on their own terms.
2026 Tour Dates and Cities Revealed
Below are the first revealed cities and dates for Judas Priest’s “One Last Ride” tour, with more expected to follow. Each stop will be a metal milestone, a gathering of the faithful to honor a band that changed everything.
North America:
March 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
March 15 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
March 18 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
March 21 – Chicago, IL – United Center
March 24 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
March 27 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
March 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Europe:
May 5 – London, UK – The O2
May 8 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
May 11 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
May 14 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
May 17 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
May 20 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum
Special Farewell Festival Shows:
June 6 – Donington Park, UK – Download Festival (Farewell Headline Set)
June 20 – Hellfest, France – Final French Appearance
Ticket sales begin next Friday, and VIP experiences dubbed “Hell Bent for Leather” will include exclusive merch, backstage passes, and even the chance to meet the band for a final salute.
The Final Call
The metal world is preparing for an emotional goodbye. Social media is already flooded with tributes, throwback photos, and tears from fans who never imagined a world without Judas Priest touring. But as they’ve done since the beginning, the band is making sure to leave the stage with honor, on their own terms, and with their legacy sealed in steel.
As Halford belts out “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” one last time, fists will rise, tears will fall, and the thunder of Priest will echo across the globe—forever.
So grab your leathers, polish your studs, and get ready to ride out one last time with Judas Priest. For this is not just a farewell—it’s a historic moment, a celebration, a final communion in th
e Church of Heavy Metal.
Long live Judas Priest. One last ride. One final roar.
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