**An Open Letter: The Time Has Come — Metallica and Judas Priest Announce Epic Final Joint Tour**

 

In a thunderous announcement that has shaken the heavy metal world to its core, Metallica and Judas Priest have revealed plans for an epic final joint tour. Titled *The Time Has Come*, the tour will mark the end of an era for two of the genre’s most iconic bands. Fans worldwide are already hailing it as the ultimate celebration of heavy metal history.

 

In an open letter posted to their official sites, James Hetfield of Metallica and Rob Halford of Judas Priest declared: “This is more than a tour — it’s a farewell to the road, a salute to our fans, and a moment to honor everything we’ve built over decades.” The letter emphasizes mutual respect, shared history, and the enduring power of metal as a force for rebellion and unity.

 

The tour will span North America, Europe, South America, and select cities in Asia, kicking off in Los Angeles in March 2026 and concluding in Birmingham, England — the birthplace of heavy metal — in December. The setlists will feature career-spanning hits, fan favorites, and special collaborative performances never seen before.

 

This farewell tour is not only a celebration but also a passing of the torch. Both bands have expressed their desire to spotlight rising metal acts as openers on select dates, emphasizing the future of the genre they helped forge.

 

For fans, *The Time Has Come* represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness metal royalty unite one last time. Tickets are expected to sell out within hours when they go on sale next month.

 

After decades of defining, defending, and evolving the genre, Metallica and Judas Priest are preparing to say goodbye — but not before giving the world one final, unforgettable roar.