Culture 4 min read By Mason Emerson
Ian Hill Retires from Judas Priest After 56 Years
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from the band after 56 years, citing advanced arthritis. Uriah Heep's Davey Rimmer will fill in for the rest of the tour.
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from the heavy metal band after 56 years, citing an advanced battle with arthritis. The band shared the news on social media and in a press release, confirming that Hill will step down from his role as the group's longest-serving member.
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and performed on all 19 of their studio albums, including 2024's «Invincible Shield». In a lengthy statement, he explained that his decision came after years of struggling with the condition, which now affects his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder, and both knees. «For a long time now, when asked 'how long can you continue' – I've always answered 'until my performances suffer'. I hate to say it, but that time has come,» Hill said.
The bassist revealed that he had been managing the pain with painkilling pills, gels, and cortisone injections. Despite being able to record bass lines for the band's new album, questions arose about whether he could complete the recent European tour. The band enlisted Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons to learn the set list as a standby. Hill ultimately had to pull out of the London show at the Eventim Apollo last month after snapping a tendon in his left shoulder just before the encores during the Brussels show two days prior, leaving him unable to lift his arm enough to reach the neck of his bass.
Rimmer stepped in at short notice and delivered what Hill called an «incredible performance». Rimmer will continue to fill in for the remainder of the band's tour dates. Hill also consulted specialists who suggested he might avoid surgery, but even then, there was no guarantee he would have enough strength in his shoulder and arm to complete a full stage show.
Beyond the physical toll, Hill cited a desire to prioritize his family. «I've neglected my family life for fifty seven years,» he said. «I've decided to retire and spend the remaining years making up for it, and doing things with them before it involves one of 'em pushing me around in a wheelchair.» He concluded his statement with gratitude: «There's not a day goes by where I don't give thanks for the incredible journey I've lived through, and it just remains for me to say that I love you all, and thank you for the life you've let me live.»
Hill's departure marks the end of an era for Judas Priest, who formed in Birmingham in 1969. He was the band's longest-serving member, anchoring their rhythm section across five decades of heavy metal history. Earlier this year, the band released a documentary film, «The Ballad Of Judas Priest», co-directed by Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello. The film was praised as a lively, in-depth examination of the iconic group.
Rimmer, a member of Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, will continue to handle bass duties as the band moves forward. Judas Priest have not announced any further plans regarding a permanent replacement. For now, Hill's retirement closes a chapter that spanned 56 years and 19 studio albums, leaving behind a legacy as one of metal's most enduring bassists.
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