Judas Priest's Ian Hill retires after 56 years in the band
Hill is stepping away after playing on all 19 studio albums, and Davey Rimmer takes over after filling in at a London show.
- On Friday, October 9, 2026, Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill announced his immediate retirement after 57 years with the band due to an ongoing battle with arthritis.
- Hill struggled for years with arthritis in his left shoulder, right hand, and knees, requiring pain medication and cortisone injections; a snapped tendon during a Brussels show forced him to miss his first-ever Priest performance.
- Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep will replace Hill, having already performed for the band at a London show last month, with Hill calling him a "great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke."
- Judas Priest released a statement expressing "heavy hearts" while welcoming Rimmer to the "Priest Family," as Hill thanked fans for the "incredible journey I've lived through."
- As the sole remaining original member from the 1969 formation, Hill departs after playing on all 19 studio albums, including 2024's "Invincible Shield," and plans to focus on family life in retirement.
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The 74-YEAR-OLD musician will be replaced by Davey Rimmer, known from the band Uriah Heep.
Ian Hill is quitting the English heavy metal band Judas Priest after 56 years. The bassist, one of the band's longest-serving members, announced his retirement via Instagram on Friday.
A few hours ago, the organizers of the domestic Masters of Rock festival announced that the main star of next year will be the British Judas Priest. Now comes the news that the 74-year-old bassist Ian Hill has left the group. He did so due to arthritis and a shoulder injury. He decided to hang up his instrument and retire.
Bassist Ian Hill is leaving Judas Priest with immediate effect due to advanced arthritis and left shoulder problems. The musician made the decision after 56 years with the band, and his replacement will be Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep. "I've always said that I would continue as long as my performances didn't suffer. I hate to say it, but the time has come," Hill said in a statement released by the band. Injury cuts short European tour The bassist'…
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