HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Iron Maiden and Judas Priest Unite for Explosive Final Joint Tour—Legendary Heavy Metal Icons Announce Farewell Run Across Major Cities Worldwide, Promising Decades of Decadence, Iconic Hits, and High-Octane Performances as Two of Metal’s Most Infamous Acts Take Their Final Bow Together in 2026 Spectacle
In a thunderous announcement that has sent shockwaves through the heavy metal universe, two of the genre’s most influential and enduring bands—Iron Maiden and Judas Priest—have revealed plans for an extraordinary joint farewell tour in 2026. Aptly titled “History in the Making,” this once-in-a-lifetime event will see the British heavy metal titans unite for one final global run, celebrating over five decades of musical dominance, rebellion, and unrelenting power.
This monumental tour marks the end of an era. Both bands, who helped forge and define the sound and spirit of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s, will share the stage for the first time in a full-scale co-headlining world tour. It’s not just a concert series—it’s a celebration of legacy, brotherhood, and the unbreakable bond between the bands and their millions of fans around the world.
The tour is set to kick off in April 2026 in Birmingham, England—the very birthplace of heavy metal—before tearing across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. Early reports suggest that each show will be a massive, multi-hour spectacle featuring career-spanning setlists, groundbreaking stage production, pyrotechnics on an epic scale, and exclusive collaborations between the two legendary acts.
Iron Maiden’s frontman Bruce Dickinson expressed deep emotion about the announcement, saying, “This tour isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about paying tribute to the incredible journey we’ve all shared. Judas Priest and Iron Maiden came up from the same roots, and now we’re closing the circle together. It’s going to be absolutely monumental.”
Rob Halford, the iconic “Metal God” of Judas Priest, echoed the sentiment: “We’ve shared decades of friendship, rivalry, and respect. To stand side by side one last time, bringing the full force of British metal to every corner of the world—it’s a dream come true. This is for the fans who have kept the fire burning all these years.”
Fans can expect both bands to perform their most legendary anthems—from Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper,” “Run to the Hills,” and “Fear of the Dark” to Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” Rumors are already swirling that both groups will close the night together with a once-in-a-lifetime joint performance of metal classics that will shake arenas to their core.
The visual design of the tour promises to be equally jaw-dropping. Iron Maiden’s team, known for their larger-than-life stagecraft and iconic mascot Eddie, is reportedly collaborating with Judas Priest’s production designers to create an immersive, post-apocalyptic stage that will evolve throughout the show. Expect towering fire columns, laser walls, and a fleet of pyrotechnics synchronized with every bone-crushing riff and drumbeat.
Behind the scenes, both bands have made it clear that while this marks their final joint tour, it’s a celebration—not a eulogy. There’s talk of a live album, a concert film, and even a commemorative box set featuring recordings from the tour, unreleased material, and interviews reflecting on their unparalleled legacies.
For heavy metal fans, this announcement feels like the ultimate meeting of the gods—a farewell that embodies everything the genre stands for: defiance, unity, and sheer sonic power. Generations of fans who grew up headbanging to the roaring sounds of Maiden and Priest will finally witness their heroes share one stage in what promises to be one of the most historic tours in rock history.
Tickets are expected to sell out within minutes once they go on sale, with official presales beginning in late November 2025. VIP experiences, exclusive merchandise, and special “Legacy Packages” featuring both bands’ memorabilia will also be available.
As the sun sets on two of metal’s greatest dynasties, History in the Making stands as a roaring tribute to five decades of leather, steel, and unstoppable spirit. For the faithful around the world, 2026 will not just mark the end of an era—it will be the ultimate celebration of the music that changed lives, shattered boundaries, and defined the meaning of true heavy metal.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s the final chapter of a legend—and one last chance to scream, sing, and live forever in the name of metal. ⚡🔥
