Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement at 74, bringing his nearly 57-year career with the British heavy metal band to an end. The musician cited advanced arthritis and a serious shoulder injury that have made performing increasingly difficult. Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer has been confirmed as his replacement.
Hill announced the news in a statement shared on Judas Priest’s social media accounts on Friday 9 October 2026. He said he had always planned to continue playing until his performances began to suffer, but acknowledged that he had reached that point.
Hello everyone, 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.
Ian Hill Explains The Health Problems Behind His Retirement
Hill revealed that arthritis has affected several parts of his body, including his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder and both knees. He had been managing the condition with medication, topical gels and cortisone injections.
For some years now, I’ve been struggling with the onset of the evil arthritis, which is now in an advanced state in my left shoulder and right hand, established in my right shoulder, and present in both knees.
I’ve been fighting this with painkilling pills, gels, and recently with cortisone injections in my shoulder and hand.
The bassist had already missed his first Judas Priest concert since joining the band nearly six decades ago. A tendon injury sustained during the Brussels show forced him to sit out the London performance at Eventim Apollo on 21 September, with Rimmer stepping in at short notice.
Hill explained that Rimmer had been preparing to cover for him during the European tour after concerns arose about whether he could complete the shows.
Although, I was able to put bass lines to the songs for the new album, there were questions whether I’d be able to complete the recent European tour without incident, so we asked our good friend Davey Rimmer from Uriah Heep, and of course Elegant Weapons, to learn the set list to stand in for me if I had to pull out, which I did for the London show.
This was due to me snapping a tendon in my left shoulder (as if I didn’t have enough problems with it!) just before the encores during the Brussels show two days before. This led to me not being able to lift my arm enough to reach the neck of my bass.
So we had to call Davey to stand in for me, who put in an incredible performance at such short notice!
Why Ian Hill Has Decided To Leave Judas Priest
After consulting specialists, Hill decided to step away from touring and performing. Although surgery might be avoidable, he said there was no certainty that treatment would restore enough strength for him to play a full stage show.
I’ve seen specialists, who suggest I might get away without surgery, but even if I don’t there’s no guarantee either way that l’ll have enough strength in my shoulder/arm to complete a whole stage show. (sic)
Alongside his health concerns, Hill said the decision gave him an opportunity to spend more time with his family after decades devoted to the band.
In view of all this, and the fact that I’ve neglected my family life for fifty seven years, 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. (sic)
Davey Rimmer Confirmed As Judas Priest’s New Bassist
Rimmer, known for his work with Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, had already demonstrated that he could step into the role when Hill was unable to perform in London. Hill has now given his successor his full backing.
The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey. He’s a great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke who’ll fit the job perfectly, and I wish him the very best of luck!
Hill also thanked Judas Priest fans for their support throughout his career, reflecting on the life and experiences music had brought him.
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.
A Judas Priest Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
Hill was part of Judas Priest’s lineup across every studio album, from their 1974 debut Rocka Rolla to 2024’s Invincible Shield. He also contributed bass parts to the band’s upcoming album, which is due in 2027.
His retirement marks the end of a remarkable stretch with one of heavy metal’s most enduring bands. Rimmer now takes on the role as Judas Priest prepares its next chapter without one of its longest-serving members.
