Metal Titans Unite: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Slayer Announce Monumental North American Tour
In a move that has electrified the global metal community, two of the most iconic bands in heavy metal history—I ron Maiden and Judas Priest—have officially joined forces once more. But this time, they’re not alone. In a shocking twist that no one saw coming, the legendary Slayer is emerging from retirement to complete this epic trifecta for what’s being dubbed the “Forged in Fire” North American World Tour.
This unprecedented collaboration between these titans of metal is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious and significant tours in heavy music history. Kicking off in April 2026, the tour will storm across 35 cities in North America, culminating in a historic two-night finale at Madison Square Garden.
“Forged in Fire” – A Tour for the Ages
Announced via a cryptic teaser trailer posted simultaneously to the bands’ official social media accounts, fans were treated to a cinematic preview featuring a molten forge, ancient battle axes, and three ominous silhouettes. Within hours, the metal internet erupted. The official announcement followed swiftly: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Slayer—sharing one stage.
Bruce Dickinson, frontman of Iron Maiden, addressed the collaboration in a press conference earlier today:
“We’ve shared stages before, but never like this. This is a celebration of everything heavy metal stands for—power, perseverance, and bloody loud guitars.”
Rob Halford, Judas Priest’s legendary “Metal God,” added:
“This isn’t just a tour. It’s a reckoning. The fans have waited long enough for something of this magnitude. We’re giving them history.”
Perhaps the biggest shock came from Slayer’s camp. After their 2019 farewell tour, few thought they’d ever return to the road. But according to guitarist Kerry King, the timing and lineup were too powerful to ignore.
“We meant it when we said we were done,” King stated. “But when Maiden and Priest reached out, it didn’t feel like just another tour. It felt like a call to arms. Slayer’s back—for this, and this only.”
A Shared Legacy of Chaos and Glory
Together, these three bands represent over 130 years of metal mastery. Iron Maiden’s progressive epics, Judas Priest’s razor-sharp riffs, and Slayer’s visceral thrash assault have shaped the genre in distinct, revolutionary ways. Each band will perform a full headlining set every night, rotating performance orders to keep fans on their toes.
Setlists are being kept under tight wraps, but insiders promise a mix of deep cuts, fan favorites, and possibly even some unexpected collaborations on stage. Rumors have already begun swirling about a climactic finale featuring all three bands performing a never-before-heard song written exclusively for the tour.
Limited Edition, Maximum Mayhem
In addition to the music, the “Forged in Fire” tour will feature an immersive fan experience zone called the Metal Dominion, complete with exclusive merch, band archives, interactive exhibits, and even a mini-stage for rising metal acts to perform during the day. VIP passes sold out within minutes of the announcement.
Fan clubs for each band are reporting record spikes in activity, and resale prices for early ticket drops are skyrocketing. Promoters are urging fans to buy from official sources only, with general ticket sales going live next Friday at 10 a.m. local time.
Final Words Before the Storm
With Iron Maiden’s enduring theatrical power, Judas Priest’s timeless anthems, and Slayer’s raw intensity, the “Forged in Fire” tour promises to be more than a concert series—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural event.
In the words of Rob Halford: “This isn’t nostalgia. This is metal’s apocalypse, and we’re bringing the
