A CONCERT TO REMEMBER: Judas Priest Icon Rob Halford Announces Return to the Band Ahead of Its Last World Tour in North America
July 4, 2025 – New York City, NY
In a move that has electrified the global heavy metal community, legendary frontman Rob Halford has announced his return to Judas Priest, reuniting with the band just in time for what they are calling their “Final Metal Ride”—a farewell world tour set to kick off this fall in North America.
At a press conference held Thursday at Madison Square Garden, Halford—clad in his signature leather and studs—walked onto the stage to thunderous applause from media and longtime fans. “The Priest is back,” Halford declared with a triumphant grin. “And so am I. One last ride, one last scream, and we’re doing it for the fans who’ve carried us all these decades.”
The announcement ends months of speculation after Halford, 73, was absent from the band’s recent studio sessions. Many feared the iconic “Metal God” had hung up his microphone for good following a string of health concerns and cryptic social media posts. But on Thursday, he seemed invigorated, saying, “I’ve got fire in my belly and thunder in my throat. The world’s not done hearing from Judas Priest.”
The “Final Metal Ride” will begin with a massive kickoff show in Los Angeles on September 6, before heading to cities including Chicago, Toronto, New York, and Dallas. The band will then continue through Europe, South America, and Asia, wrapping up the tour in Birmingham, England—their hometown—sometime in mid-2026.
Formed in 1969, Judas Priest has long been regarded as one of the architects of heavy metal. Albums like *British Steel*, *Screaming for Vengeance*, and *Painkiller* helped shape the genre’s sound and attitude. Halford’s piercing vocals and flamboyant stage presence, combined with the twin-guitar assault of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing (now replaced by Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap), set the template for generations of metal bands.
Halford first left the band in 1992, returning in 2003 for a celebrated reunion. While he briefly stepped away again in late 2023 due to health complications, band members assured fans he was never far. “Rob’s always been the soul of Judas Priest,” said bassist Ian Hill. “We’re not Judas Priest without him, and this final tour wouldn’t feel right without the Metal God.”
The upcoming tour will feature a mix of classics, deep cuts, and tracks from the band’s most recent album *Invincible Fire*, released in 2024 to critical acclaim. Rumors are already swirling about possible guest appearances, including from K.K. Downing and former drummer Scott Travis.
Tickets for the North American leg go on sale July 12, and early demand has already crashed fan club servers. “It’s going to be emotional,” said longtime fan Carla Ramirez, who drove from Philadelphia to attend the announcement. “I saw Priest when I was 16 in ’84. To see Rob and the band one last time—it’s like closing a chapter of my life.”
Though the tour is being billed as the band’s final one, Halford teased the possibility of a future studio project or one-off appearances. “Never say never,” he said with a wink. “But if this is the last global roar of Judas Priest, we’re going out loud, proud, and heavy as hell.”
