The LHCb detector is a unique tool for studying high-energy heavy-ion collisions. Its forward geometry, along with its excellent vertex reconstruction and particle identification capabilities, allow the LHCb detector to study a wide variety of observables in pp, $p$Pb and PbPb collisions in previously unexplored kinematic territory. In this report, recent results from the LHCb heavy-ion program will be discussed, long with prospects for heavy-ion physics with the newly upgraded LHCb detector.