In a seismic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the world of rock and heavy metal, **Judas Priest** and **Iron Maiden**, two of the genre’s most legendary forces, have officially unveiled plans for a **massive 2026 co-headlining farewell tour**. Dubbed **“The Last Crusade: One Final Roar”**, the global trek will mark the end of an era — a thunderous, high-octane goodbye from the titans who helped shape and define heavy metal for over five decades.
Set to launch in March 2026, the tour will span **over 50 cities across six continents**, beginning in Birmingham — the birthplace of British metal — and culminating in a historic dual-headline finale at London’s Wembley Stadium next November.
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### A Dream Come True for Generations of Metal Fans
While Iron Maiden and Judas Priest have long shared the same sonic battlefield, the two icons have never embarked on a full-scale co-headlining tour — until now.
“This is something fans have been dreaming about for decades,” said **Rob Halford**, Judas Priest’s powerhouse vocalist. “It’s the perfect storm — a union of legacy, passion, and the raw energy that only metal can deliver. We’re going out with fire, fury, and full force.”
Iron Maiden’s frontman **Bruce Dickinson** echoed the sentiment, stating:
> “We’re not just saying goodbye — we’re throwing the loudest, most explosive party metal has ever seen. This isn’t a farewell tour. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve stood for.”
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### More Than Just a Concert — A Legacy Celebration
“The Last Crusade” will feature both bands performing full-length headlining sets packed with fan-favorite anthems, rare deep cuts, and exclusive collaborative moments on stage.
According to insiders, fans can expect epic renditions of classics like:
* **“Breaking the Law”**, **“Painkiller”**, and **“Electric Eye”** from Judas Priest
* **“The Trooper”**, **“Hallowed Be Thy Name”**, and **“Fear of the Dark”** from Iron Maiden
* And a **mystery encore performance** featuring members of both bands on stage together for the first time
Each show will be supported by a rotating cast of special guests from the metal world, including appearances from **Saxon**, **Testament**, and even rising stars like **Alien Weaponry** and **Spiritbox** — a nod to the next generation of metal warriors.
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### The End of a Glorious Era
Both Judas Priest and Iron Maiden emerged from England’s working-class cities in the 1970s, creating a powerful new sound that combined aggressive guitar work, theatrical vocals, and epic storytelling. They went on to inspire generations of musicians, sell tens of millions of albums, and become synonymous with the evolution of heavy metal itself.
Though the two bands have remained active in recent years — releasing acclaimed albums and selling out arenas worldwide — members have hinted that the time is right to take their final bow.
“It’s not about slowing down,” said Judas Priest guitarist **Glenn Tipton**, who has continued to make guest appearances despite his battle with Parkinson’s. “It’s about ending on our terms — with pride, power, and gratitude to our fans who have kept this flame burning for over 50 years.”
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### Fans React: “This Is the Metal Event of the Century”
Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with hashtags like **#LastCrusade2026**, **#PriestMaidenFarewell**, and **#MetalLegendsUnite** trending worldwide.
“This is bigger than a tour — it’s history in motion,” said longtime fan Jessica Perez from Argentina. “I’m flying across the world for this. I can’t miss the final roar.”
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### Ticket Info and Global Dates
Tickets for the first leg of the tour go on sale **Friday, July 5**, with exclusive presale access for fan club members starting July 3. VIP packages, including meet-and-greets, backstage tours, and limited edition memorabilia, will be available.
Tour dates and venues will be revealed in full next week, but sources confirm stops in:
* **Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, and São Paulo**
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### One Final Roar — One Unforgettable Farewell
As heavy metal’s most iconic voices prepare to ride into the sunset, *The Last Crusade* stands as more than a farewell — it’s a monument to the unbreakable spirit of rock, the power of live music, and the eternal legacy of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.
Brace yourselves. The gods of metal are about to roar one last time.