New Era: A Rock Legend’s Era Comes to an End with “One Last Ride” Judas Priest Announces 2026 Farewell Tour (Cities and Dates Disclosed)
Heavy metal’s thundering legacy is preparing to take its final bow — Judas Priest, the undisputed gods of British metal, have officially announced their 2026 farewell tour, aptly titled “One Last Ride.” After over five decades of fire, fury, and ferocious riffs, the band is preparing to close the curtain on a legendary chapter, leaving behind a trail of molten steel and unforgettable anthems.
A Farewell Forged in Metal
In an emotional press release shared early Wednesday morning, Judas Priest declared their intentions to retire from touring following a final, globe-spanning trek. The “One Last Ride” tour will celebrate their 50+ year career, bringing together the hits, the deep cuts, and the unrelenting power that has defined their reign since the early ’70s.
Rob Halford, the iconic “Metal God,” stated:
“This is more than a tour. It’s our last ride through the flames with the fans who kept our engines roaring for over half a century. Expect fire, fury, and a whole lot of metal.”
The band emphasized this would not be a “half-hearted” farewell. Instead, they’re going out full throttle — with a massive 40-city itinerary, upgraded stage production, and a few surprises for die-hard fans.
A Legacy of Leather, Screams, and Steel
From “Breaking the Law” to “Painkiller”, Judas Priest helped shape the very DNA of heavy metal. Their twin-guitar attack, operatic vocals, and leather-studded aesthetics became genre-defining. With over 50 million albums sold and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Priest’s influence is carved deep into music history.
This tour will be a celebration of that immense legacy. Fans can expect a setlist that spans from “Rocka Rolla” (1974) through the blistering power of “Firepower” (2018), all the way to selections from their upcoming final studio release — rumored to be dropping ahead of the tour’s kickoff.
Tour Dates & Cities
The “One Last Ride” Tour kicks off in Birmingham, UK — the birthplace of the band — and stretches across Europe, North America, South America, Japan, and Australia. Below are some of the major stops announced so far:
United Kingdom & Europe
- June 2 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
- June 4 – London, UK – The O2
- June 7 – Paris, France – Accor Arena
- June 10 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
- June 13 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
- June 16 – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
North America
- July 1 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
- July 4 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
- July 7 – Chicago, IL – United Center
- July 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
- July 13 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
- July 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
South America
- August 5 – São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
- August 8 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Movistar Arena
- August 12 – Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena
Asia & Oceania
- August 24 – Tokyo, Japan – Nippon Budokan
- August 27 – Osaka, Japan – INTEX Osaka
- September 3 – Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
- September 6 – Melbourne, Australia – Rod Laver Arena
The tour is expected to close back in the UK with a massive blowout finale in London on October 10, 2026, joined by special guests and alumni from Priest’s vast history.
Fan Reactions and Pre-Sale Info
Social media exploded following the announcement, with the hashtag OneLastRide trending worldwide within hours. Fans expressed a mix of sorrow, gratitude, and excitement. Longtime followers see it not as an ending, but as a historic milestone — the final page of a book they’ve followed since their youth.
Ticket pre-sales begin July 1, with general ticket sales starting July 5 via major ticketing platforms. VIP packages — including meet-and-greets, exclusive merch, and soundcheck access — will also be available.
The Final Word
Judas Priest’s farewell isn’t just the end of a band’s touring era — it marks the sunset of one of heavy metal’s last original titans. In a world where few legends remain active, “One Last Ride” promises to be both a celebration and a farewell sermon for the faithful.
So polish your studs, crank up “Hell Bent for Leather,” and get ready. The Priest is mounting the bike one last time — and the road to metal Valhalla begins in 2026.
Leave a Reply