In a moment that has sent seismic ripples through the global metal community, two of the most legendary heavy metal bands — Metallica and Judas Priest — have announced their final joint tour, a historic collaboration that marks the end of an era. The news hit the rock world like a lightning bolt, as fans worldwide grapple with the reality that this will likely be the last time to see both titans of metal share the stage.
A Tour to End All Tours
Titled “Forged in Fire: The Final Crusade”, the tour will span continents, celebrating over eight decades of combined musical dominance. With Metallica’s thrash power and Judas Priest’s classic metal thunder, the tour promises an unforgettable sonic spectacle.
Kicking off in Los Angeles, California in March 2026, and wrapping up in Birmingham, England — the birthplace of Judas Priest — the tour will traverse over 30 cities across North America, Europe, and South America. According to organizers, each night will feature full sets from both bands, as well as a monumental finale, where members of both groups will join forces onstage.
The Bands Speak
Metallica frontman James Hetfield, clearly emotional during the announcement livestream, said:
> “We’ve shared stages, memories, and fans for decades. Now, it’s time to ride together one last time. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of everything heavy metal has stood for.”
Rob Halford of Judas Priest added with signature leather-clad bravado:
> “This final ride with our brothers in Metallica is going to be bloody epic. Priest was born in the forge of Birmingham, and we’ll end this journey where it all began. Horns high!”
Shock and Awe
Reactions to the announcement were instant and intense. Social media exploded with stunned responses, emotional tributes, and pleas for more dates. The term #MetallicaPriestFinalTour began trending within minutes, with fans expressing everything from excitement to bittersweet sorrow.
One longtime fan on X (formerly Twitter) posted:
> “Metallica and Judas Priest on the same stage? This is what metal dreams are made of. My heart is pounding. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
Music journalists have described the announcement as “the end of an epoch”, noting how both bands have not only defined metal but redefined it — over and over again — for multiple generations.
Tour Dates and Cities Revealed
Here are the confirmed tour stops for “Forged in Fire: The Final Crusade” (more may be added based on demand):
North America
March 5, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
March 8 – Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium
March 12 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium
March 15 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
March 18 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
March 22 – New York, NY – MetLife Stadium
March 26 – Miami, FL – Hard Rock Stadium
South America
April 2 – São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
April 6 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – River Plate Stadium
April 10 – Santiago, Chile – Estadio Nacional
April 20 – Madrid, Spain – Wanda Metropolitano
April 24 – Paris, France – Stade de France
April 28 – Berlin, Germany – Olympiastadion
May 2 – Stockholm, Sweden – Friends Arena
May 6 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Johan Cruyff Arena
May 10 – Milan, Italy – San Siro Stadium
May 15 – London, UK – Wembley Stadium
May 20 – Birmingham, UK – Villa Park (Final Show)
Tickets and Special Packages
Pre-sales for fan club members begin next week, with general ticket sales opening June 30, 2025. Exclusive VIP packages include soundcheck access, limited-edition merchandise, and even meet-and-greets with select band members — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for die-hard fans.
A Legacy Forged in Metal
For over 40 years, both Metallica and Judas Priest have flown the flag of metal across the globe. Judas Priest, pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, laid the foundation with classics like “Breaking the Law” and “Painkiller”. Metallica, the titans of thrash, transformed the genre with era-defining albums such as “Master of Puppets”, “Ride the Lightning”, and “The Black Album”.
While neither band has confirmed permanent retirement from music entirely, insiders suggest this will be their last full-scale international tour.
It’s rare to witness history in real time, but this tour is just that — a historic farewell to two of the most influential forces in heavy metal. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the genre, Forged in Fire: The Final Crusade is more than a concert — it’s a closing chapter in a book written in riffs, rebellion, and raw power.
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