9 Iconic Metal Bands That Are Still Touring in 2024

Metal bands have proven to have a prominent longevity throughout the years and that still surprises people. That is something that has defined the genre since its fandom has proven to be quite loyal, which has helped with its success.

In that regard, there are some prominent bands who are still touring. This might come across as a surprise to some because of these groups’ trajectory and their ups and downs. It is something that highlights the longevity of the genre and these bands’ dedication.

1. Deep Purple

Anyone must have heard of Deep Purple at some point. It’s one of those few metal bands that can be considered pioneers and at the same time, one of the best in the genre. Besides having released some classics like “Burn”, “Perfect Stangers”, “Smoke on the Water” or “Highway Star”, they have had some of the best musicians in the genre.

The band started in 1968 with names like Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice or John Lord. The band quickly became famous and its Mark I, II, III and IV lineups became legendary. In 1976 they split up and lasted until 1984 when they reunited the Mark II (Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan and Roger Glover). Since then they have not stopped and to this day they continue to tour, maintaining a certain consistency in their lineup and a high technical level in their performances.

2. Saxon

The English band began their professional career in the music world back in 1975, under the name Son of a B****. For whatever reason, that name didn’t stick and in 1978 they adopted the name Saxon. They were one of those metal bands that managed to boost the movement known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They started in the 70s but took a few years to get their debut album.

Thanks to that, they achieved enormous popularity in the 80s. They are still touring to this day. In fact, at the end of this year, they are going to Japan and will perform at Wacken Open Air next year. Saxon has been defined by its consistent output and deserves a lot more recognition. An embodiment of hard work and dedication in the music business.

3. Riot

Today they are known as Riot V but they are the same old Riot. The band was formed in 1975 as one of those more classic heavy metal bands. Over time they evolved into something more classifiable as power metal, especially after they released the album “Thundersteel“.

In 2012, the founder and only constant member up to that point, Mark Reale, died and although the band tried to continue, there were legal problems with the name. This eventually led to the band renaming themselves Riot V. Despite this, the band continues to tour to this day.

4. Tool

In this review of the metal bands that will surprise you that they are still touring, we come to Tool. Yes, Tool. The American band started in 1990, which is more than 3 decades ago, but they are not as long-lived as other bands on this list.

The problem with Tool is that the band has had many ups and downs due to different differences between its members. This has led them to be on the verge of breaking up on several occasions. That is why it is surprising that they are still touring.

5. Pantera

Pantera is a curious case. Many will remember the Texas band as one of the 90s, with that street style that combined groove with thrash metal. However, the truth is that Pantera started in 1981 and as a glam metal band.

In the 90s they certainly gained a lot of popularity with their change of style and albums like “Cowboys from Hell” and “Vulgar Display of Power”. In 2003, the band broke up after several problems between its members and it seemed to be the end of Pantera. However, in 2022, Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo decided to tour again under that name and invited Charlie Benante and Zakk Wylde.

The deaths of the brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul seemed to have killed the band. However, this current version of the band could be interpreted more as a tribute. This is something that may rub fans the wrong way but Pantera are still kicking.

6. Europe

The Swedes began their music career in 1979 under the name Force. In 1982, they changed their name to Europe just before a contest. Vocalist Joey Tempest took it from Deep Purple‘s “Made in Europe” album. In 1986, after having achieved considerable international fame, the band released their biggest hit, “The Final Countdown“.

The title track made them world famous to the point that they are still recognized for it today. After a decade of touring and releasing new material, Europe decided to take a break in 1992. Although they made a comeback in 2003, on New Year’s Eve 1999, they gave a concert together as well. They are still active today, participating in festivals throughout Europe.

It is also worth pointing out that the band still has its classic 80s lineup. This is something that highlights the band’s evolution throughout the years.

7. Morbid Angel

Morbid Angel is one of those metal bands that have had a huge influence on the evolution of a subgenre but that does not have that mainstream popularity to back them up. The band from Florida innovated with guttural vocals, multiple time changes, and the dark tone of their music.

All elements that forged death metal and that many bands today use. Morbid Angel was formed in 1983 although it was not until 1989 that they were able to release their first album, “Altars of Madness”. At the end of this year, they will begin the Devastation on the Nation 2024 Tour throughout the United States along with other bands such as Suffocation and Mortiferum.

Morbid Angel has had a lot of ups and downs. The previous decade also saw them struggling musically, as evidenced by “Illud Divinum Insanus” in 2011. However, this band has returned to its death metal roots. They also had their 40th-anniversary tour in 2023.

8. Napalm Death

The English band has been one of the most important in grindcore and death metal. The beginnings of the band back in 1981 were full of moments of uncertainty with many changes in the line-ups. They achieved stability in the late 80s. Funny enough, since 1986, there is not a member of the original line-up in Napalm Death.

In the first half of the 90s, they achieved their greatest fame and success. Perhaps some had lost track of the band a little, especially since they have released only three albums in the last 12 years. Even so, they are currently touring Latin America and at the beginning of 2025, they will be touring Europe. This band is an institution of extreme metal and deserves recognition.

9. Quiet Riot

Quiet Riot is a Californian band that was formed in 1973. At the time, they had a good impact on heavy metal and hard rock. They are one of those metal bands that have many twists and turns, that end up changing their lineups a lot and that have several hiatuses. The first was in 1989, when they had problems between the members that even ended up in court.

After reuniting in 1991, the band broke up again in 2003 to get back together just a year later. In 2007, they broke up again after the death of Kevin DuBrow. Finally, they got back together in 2010 and have stayed together (so far), in fact, they continue to tour the United States. It is also worth pointing out that iconic bassist Rudy Sarzo, who has played with several major bands, has returned.