In a thunderous announcement that’s sending shockwaves through the heavy metal world, two of the genre’s most iconic and influential bands—Judas Priest and Iron Maiden—have revealed plans for a colossal joint farewell tour in 2026. Aptly titled “The Final Roar”, this once-in-a-lifetime event will see these legendary titans share the stage across the globe in a celebration of decades-long legacies, riff-fueled rebellion, and uncompromising metal mayhem.
Fans have long speculated about a collaboration between the British giants, and now that dream becomes reality as Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson prepare to deliver dual headlining sets, bringing generations of headbangers together in a firestorm of anthems, pyrotechnics, and raw energy. For both bands, 2026 marks a fitting milestone: it’s the 50th anniversary of Judas Priest’s debut album Rocka Rolla and a stunning legacy stretch for Iron Maiden, who remain at the top of their game over four decades since The Number of the Beast.
The tour will span five continents, kicking off in Birmingham, UK—the birthplace of metal—before roaring through North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and finally concluding with an epic finale in Tokyo, Japan. Each night will feature full-length sets from both bands, with rumored special collaborations on stage, rare deep cuts, and tributes to fallen band members and metal pioneers.
In a joint statement, the bands said: “This tour is more than a farewell. It’s a celebration of the spirit of heavy metal that has united millions around the world. We’re honored to take this final ride together—and give our fans the ultimate show they deserve.”
Tickets are expected to go on sale in early 2026, with exclusive fan club pre-sales and VIP packages offering unforgettable experiences, including meet-and-greets, behind-the-scenes access, and limited-edition memorabilia.
This historic tour isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a thunderous tribute to everything metal has stood for: defiance, power, and unity. Whether you’ve followed them from the beginning or just discovered their epic catalog, The Final Roar promises to be the most monumental heavy metal event of the decade—a deafening salute to two unstoppable forces, roaring into the night one last time.
