An Open Letter: Metallica and Judas Priest Announce 2026 Farewell Tour — “Let’s Do It Again” Marks the End of a Rock Legend’s Era – Dates and Cities Revealed
In a thunderous revelation that has electrified the rock and metal world, Metallica and Judas Priest have officially announced their 2026 Farewell Tour, titled “Let’s Do It Again.” This historic collaboration marks the end of an unforgettable era in heavy metal history — one built on raw power, rebellion, and timeless music that defined generations.
After decades of dominating global stages, the two titans of metal are joining forces one last time to deliver an emotional, high-voltage farewell tour that promises to celebrate their legacies and the fans who made it all possible.
The joint open letter released by both bands reads:
> “We’ve shared the stage, the sweat, and the sound. Now, it’s time to ride together one last time. This tour isn’t just a goodbye — it’s a celebration of every riff, every scream, and every fan who believed in the power of metal.”
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A Legacy Forged in Fire and Sound
Since their rise in the 1970s and 1980s, Judas Priest and Metallica have stood as giants in the music world. Judas Priest pioneered the heavy metal sound with albums like British Steel, Painkiller, and Screaming for Vengeance, setting the tone for generations of metal acts. Metallica, emerging from the California thrash scene, took that fire global with Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, and the legendary Black Album.
Together, they’ve shaped the soundtrack of rebellion — from leather jackets and headbanging anthems to the enduring spirit of rock that refuses to die.
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Tour Dates and Global Cities Revealed
The “Let’s Do It Again” Farewell Tour will kick off on April 10, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, before blazing across continents. Fans can expect massive stage productions, pyrotechnic spectacles, and unforgettable collaborations as both bands share the spotlight.
Confirmed stops include:
Los Angeles, USA – SoFi Stadium
New York City, USA – Madison Square Garden
Toronto, Canada – Scotiabank Arena
London, UK – Wembley Stadium
Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
Paris, France – Accor Arena
Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
Sydney, Australia – Qudos Bank Arena
São Paulo, Brazil – Allianz Parque
Mexico City, Mexico – Foro Sol
The tour will conclude with a grand finale in San Francisco, California — the birthplace of Metallica — on December 18, 2026. That night promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event featuring guest stars, rare songs, and emotional tributes spanning both bands’ legendary careers.
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Reflections from the Icons
Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield reflected on the decision to end touring after four decades:
> “We’ve played every corner of the planet and met fans who changed our lives. ‘Let’s Do It Again’ isn’t about ending — it’s about giving everything we’ve got, one more time, together.”
Judas Priest’s Rob Halford added:
> “Metal has always been more than music — it’s a family. This farewell tour is for every metalhead who believed in the noise, the power, and the unity. We’re going out with fire in our hearts and gratitude in our souls.”
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Special Surprises and Collaborations
Rumors are swirling that several major acts — including members of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Ghost — may join select shows on stage. Both bands have also hinted at a joint live album and documentary film, titled Let’s Do It Again: The Final Ride, chronicling behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and unseen archival footage from their careers.
Fans can also expect new commemorative merchandise, vinyl reissues, and exclusive meet-and-greet experiences that honor the 40+ years of heavy metal history the bands share.
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The End of an Era — But Not the End of Metal
As the amps hum one last time and the lights dim on the final show, Metallica and Judas Priest will leave behind a legacy few can match. Their music, rebellion, and influence will continue to roar through future generations of musicians and fans alike.
The open letter closes with a simple but powerful line that captures their spirit:
> “This isn’t goodbye — it’s one last scream, one last solo, one last ride together. Thank you for keeping metal alive. Let’s do it again.”
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Would you like me to desig
n a tour poster for “Let’s Do It Again” with both bands on stage and a fiery metal background?
