Two of the genre’s most iconic bands—Judas Priest and Iron Maiden—have revealed plans for a joint farewell tour titled “The Metal Titans Final Roar.” Slated to launch in 2026, this colossal global tour will mark the end of an era as both bands bid farewell to the road after decades of shaping and defining the sound of heavy metal. The announcement was made via a joint press conference and simultaneously broadcast on the bands’ official channels, igniting a tidal wave of reactions from fans and artists alike.
The “Final Roar” tour promises to be nothing short of legendary, with over 50 cities across North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia already confirmed. Each night will feature back-to-back performances from both bands, with alternating headlining sets that will showcase a career-spanning collection of their greatest hits. From “Painkiller” to “Fear of the Dark,” fans can expect high-octane performances, elaborate stage designs, and a celebration of heavy metal’s enduring spirit. The tour is being billed as a “once-in-a-lifetime spectacle” that will bring generations of fans together.
For Judas Priest, whose origins date back to the early 1970s in Birmingham, this tour represents the culmination of over 50 years of groundbreaking music, relentless touring, and genre-defining innovation. Frontman Rob Halford, in a statement, said, “This is not goodbye to metal, but a celebration of everything we’ve built. The Metal Gods are going out with fire, thunder, and pride.” Halford also hinted that while touring will end, the band might still create studio recordings in the future.
Iron Maiden, equally monumental in their legacy, will also be bowing out of the touring life after forming in East London in 1975 and spending nearly five decades touring the globe. Bruce Dickinson shared emotionally, “We’ve flown with Ed Force One, played for millions, and roared louder than the engines. Now it’s time for our final scream into the night. We thank every fan who’s walked this long road with us.” The band’s mascot, Eddie, is expected to make one final, unforgettable appearance onstage in various incarnations throughout the tour.
Fans are already scrambling for tickets, which are expected to sell out within minutes when they go on sale next month. VIP packages, meet-and-greets, and exclusive memorabilia have been teased as part of the farewell experience. Promoters are warning fans to prepare for high demand and pre-registration processes have already begun on both bands’ websites. This farewell tour is shaping up to be a record-breaking event in rock and metal history.
As the heavy metal community braces for an emotional and thunderous goodbye, the “Metal Titans Final Roar” is more than just a tour—it’s a historic convergence of two unstoppable forces who helped define and elevate an entire genre. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a new fan discovering the roots of true metal, 2026 will be the year the titans roar one last time—and leave behind a legacy that will echo for generations.
