Metallica + Judas Priest “Epic Final Joints” Tour,
🎸 Epic Final Joints: Metallica ✕ Judas Priest – Tour Dates & Cities Revealed
Legendary heavy‑metal titans Metallica and Judas Priest have officially teamed up for what they’re marketing as one of the most monumental co-headlining tours of this era: the Epic Final Joints Tour. The announcement—which has sent shockwaves through the global metal community—confirms a powerful joint North American trek this fall, with both bands slated to headline major stadium venues across the continent. Here’s everything fans need to know.
🔥 What Makes This Tour Historic
- Metallica remains on the triumphant M72 World Tour, supporting their 2023 album 72 Seasons. This tour, which launched in April 2023, is set to conclude on July 5, 2026, in London, making the fall U.S. leg one of the final North American chapters of their expansive world tour
- Judas Priest, fresh from celebrating their 50th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of the Painkiller album, have confirmed a return to North America for a fully‑blown Shield of Pain tour—from Finland and Europe this past summer to the co-headlining U.S. run with Alice Cooper
This marks one of the rare occasions these two metal titans share the stage across a full-scale stadium tour—a pairing fans have dreamed of for decades.
📅 Confirmed Dates & Cities (North America, Fall 2025)
The tour will span 22 dates, running from mid‑September to late October 2025 While the full itinerary is expected to be released imminently, sources confirm:
- Sept 16 – Tour kickoff in Biloxi, Mississippi (Mississippi Coast Coliseum)
- Major East Coast dates: Holmdel, NJ (PNC Bank Arts Center) on Sept 26 and Saratoga Springs, NY on Sept 27
- Final show Oct 26 in Houston, TX (Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion / The Woodlands)
Other cities on the bill include Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, as teased by early press leaks .
🎤 Supporting Acts & Tour Format
- Corrosion of Conformity will open for both bands on select dates
- Fans anticipate a co-headline structure: both Metallica and Judas Priest delivering full sets—likely between 90 and 120 minutes each.
- Speculation abounds about unique setlist cross‑collaborations, where the two bands may perform cover songs—or even join forces on stage.
🎟️ Tickets & Fan Experience
- The on‑sale date was set for April 18, 2025, via Live Nation, Ticketmaster, and other verified outlets
- Secondary markets (e.g., Vivid Seats) list tickets now, with prices fluctuating based on demand
- Fans are excited about VIP and “Enhanced Experience” packages, echoing Metallica’s previous M72 offerings, which included premium tickets ranging from approximately $400–$7,000
🌍 Historical Significance & Fan Reactions
- Metallica’s M72 Tour has already grossed over $340 million across 49 shows, with more than 3 million attendees so far The tour stakes are high—and this co-headlining symbiosis adds another layer of spectacle.
- Judas Priest made a splash in Europe, wrapping up the Shield of Pain run in London on July 25, 2025. Now with North America added, it marks a full-circle moment for the Painkiller anniversary celebrations
- On Reddit, fans are buzzing:
“I’ve got my Toronto tickets, bring the pain!”
“Co‑headline means abbreviated sets—but still packed with classics.”
An energized fan base expects epic, nostalgia‑driven showdowns—and maybe a few surprises.
🎶 What to Expect from the Live Show
- Metallica: Known for their relentless energy, expect long setlists (~20+ songs) spanning classics (Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets) and deep cuts from 72 Seasons. Massive stage production, pyrotechnics, and center “Snake Pit” staging are staples
- Judas Priest: Setlists will almost certainly feature Painkiller cuts, staples like Breaking the Law, Living After Midnight, and new tracks from Invincible Shield (Expect Rob Halford’s legendary vocal performance, leather aesthetic, twin‑guitar harmonies, and maybe even a Painkiller-themed encore.
🤘 Beyond the Music
- Special guests: Rumors swirl about possible guest appearances or collaborations from artists like Alice Cooper (fresh from Priest’s European set), Pantera, or support acts like Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies—both of which have opened dates on the M72 Tour .
- Merch and memorabilia: Fans can expect exclusive tour items combining branding from both giants—from co-branded tees to collector lithographs and VIP laminate packages.
- Cinematic elements: Metallica has previously incorporated documentary-style film segments into their tours, and Judas Priest is producing a “Shield of Pain” documentary this year (American Songwriter). Expect multimedia integration, behind‑the‑scenes content, and exclusive fan screenings.
🧠 Final Take
The Epic Final Joints Tour is shaping up to be one of the most significant metal events in decades. With two of the genre’s most revered bands combining might, the tour promises epic performances, high production, and a rare opportunity to see co-headline dynamics fueled by lifelong legacies. Whether you’re a die-hard Metallica sky pilot or a Priest purist, this tour offers something transcendent.
Key Snapshot:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Tour Type | Co‑headlining North American stadium tour |
| Dates | Sept 16 to Oct 26, 2025 |
| Cities (sample) | Biloxi → Holmdel, NJ → Saratoga → Houston, plus 18 others |
| Opening Act | Corrosion of Conformity (select dates) |
| Ticket On-Sale | April 18, 2025 (verified outlets; secondary markets live) |
| Experience | Massive production, full-length sets, VIP packages, exclusive merch |
With 22 stadium nights, dual sets, unrivaled stagecraft, and metal royalty at every turn—this is the tour that will define 2025. If you’re planning to attend, act fast. Tickets are already moving, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Let me know if you’d like help tracking ticket links, setting reminders, or diving deeper into setlist predictions!
