**New Era: Metallica and Judas Priest Announce Epic Final Joint Tour – Dates and Cities Revealed**
In a landmark moment for metal fans worldwide, two titans of the genre—Metallica and Judas Priest—have officially announced their highly anticipated final joint tour. Dubbed the “Eternal Steel Tour,” this historic run promises to be a celebration of decades of heavy metal excellence, bringing together iconic bands for a series of unforgettable live performances across North America and Europe. With dates and cities now revealed, fans are gearing up for what could be the last chance to witness these legendary acts sharing the stage.
### The Announcement
The news broke via a joint statement from Metallica and Judas Priest’s official social media channels, creating waves in the global music community. The statement expressed mutual respect, gratitude, and a shared desire to give fans one last epic experience. “After decades of metal mastery, we’ve decided to come together for what will be our final tour as a joint act,” Metallica’s frontman James Hetfield declared. “It’s a celebration of our history, our fans, and the unbreakable bond of heavy metal.” Judas Priest’s Rob Halford echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of this collaboration: “It’s a bittersweet moment, but also a moment of unity and gratitude. We want to give our fans the ultimate metal farewell.”
### The Tour Details
The “Eternal Steel Tour” is scheduled to kick off in North America in late summer 2024, with European dates following in early fall. The tour will span approximately three months, encompassing major cities and iconic venues known for their historic metal moments.
#### North American Leg
– **Start Date:** August 21, 2024
– **End Date:** October 10, 2024
**Key Cities and Venues:**
– **Los Angeles, CA:** Dodger Stadium
– **San Francisco, CA:** Chase Center
– **Seattle, WA:** Climate Pledge Arena
– **Chicago, IL:** United Center
– **Toronto, ON:** Rogers Centre
– **New York City, NY:** Madison Square Garden
– **Boston, MA:** TD Garden
– **Philadelphia, PA:** Wells Fargo Center
– **Miami, FL:** Hard Rock Stadium
The North American tour promises to feature a mix of their greatest hits, deep cuts, and special tributes to their collective influence on the genre.
#### European Leg
– **Start Date:** September 15, 2024
– **End Date:** October 20, 2024
**Key Cities and Venues:**
– **London, UK:** Wembley Stadium
– **Paris, France:** Stade de France
– **Berlin, Germany:** Waldbühne
– **Amsterdam, Netherlands:** Ziggo Dome
– **Milan, Italy:** Mediolanum Forum
– **Madrid, Spain:** WiZink Center
– **Stockholm, Sweden:** Ericsson Globe
– **Dublin, Ireland:** 3Arena
European fans can expect similar setlists, with some regional surprises and special guest appearances.
### Setlist and Performance Highlights
Given the stature of these bands, fans can anticipate a setlist filled with their most legendary tracks. Metallica is expected to perform classics like “Master of Puppets,” “Enter Sandman,” “One,” and “Nothing Else Matters,” while Judas Priest will likely showcase staples such as “Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” “Electric Eye,” and “Victim of Changes.”
Special attention is expected to be paid to the production values, with elaborate stage setups, pyrotechnics, and light shows designed to enhance the experience. Both bands are renowned for their energetic performances and technical mastery, promising a show that will go down in history.
### Significance of the Tour
This final joint tour marks a significant milestone in heavy metal history. Metallica, formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, has been a dominant force in the genre for over four decades, influencing countless bands and pioneering thrash metal. Judas Priest, originating from Birmingham, UK, since 1969, is often credited with defining the heavy metal sound and image, inspiring generations of fans and musicians alike.
By uniting for this farewell tour, the bands honor their legacies and celebrate the genre’s evolution. Fans are viewing this as a once-in-a-lifetime event—not just a farewell, but an homage to the roots and future of heavy metal.
### Behind the Scenes and Collaborations
While Metallica and Judas Priest will perform separately on their respective setlists, the tour is expected to feature collaborative moments, including joint encores, shared stage appearances, and possible surprise guests from the metal community. The bands have expressed enthusiasm about working together, emphasizing the importance of community and shared passion in metal.
Moreover, the tour will spotlight exclusive merchandise, limited-edition collectibles, and possibly new music collaborations, making it a comprehensive celebration of their careers.
### Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the metal community. Fans have flooded social media with excitement, reminiscing about past concerts and speculating on setlists. Many see this tour as the end of an era, a bittersweet farewell to two bands that have shaped their musical lives.
Ticket sales are expected to be brisk, especially for the North American and London dates, where demand is anticipated to outstrip supply rapidly. Both bands have urged fans to purchase tickets early, with presale codes already circulating among fan clubs and official channels.
### Future of Metal after the Tour
While this marks the final joint trek between Metallica and Judas Priest, both bands have hinted at ongoing solo projects, new music, and other collaborations. However, the “Eternal Steel Tour” will serve as a definitive chapter in heavy metal history—celebrating the past, present, and future of the genre.
### Conclusion
The “Eternal Steel Tour” promises to be an epic farewell for metal fans worldwide. Celebrating over 40 years of groundbreaking music, Metallica and Judas Priest are set to deliver one last monumental series of concerts that will resonate in the annals of heavy metal history. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early and prepare for an unforgettable experience that honors the legacies of two of the genre’s most influential bands. As the metal community gears up for this historic event, one thing is certain: this tour will be remembered as the ultimate celebration of metal’s enduring power and spirit.
