Judas Priest founding bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from live performance after more than five decades with the heavy metal band. He cited advanced arthritis and a torn shoulder tendon as the reasons for his departure. The announcement, published on October 9, 2026, marks the end of an era for the group, leaving no founding members active on stage. Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer, who also performs with Elegant Weapons alongside Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner, has been named as his permanent live replacement.
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and stands as the only musician to have performed on all 19 of the band’s studio albums, ranging from 1974’s debut Rocka Rolla through 2024’s chart-topping Invincible Shield. His departure concludes his tenure as the group’s longest-serving member and its final active link to the early lineup that formed in Birmingham.
Health Struggles and the Decision to Retire
In a personal statement shared via social media on October 9, 2026, Hill explained that his decision was driven entirely by physical limitations rather than a lack of desire to play. For years, the bassist maintained that he would continue performing until his playing began to suffer.
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 situation came to a head during the band’s European tour. Just before the encores at a show in Brussels, Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder, leaving him unable to lift his arm high enough to reach the neck of his bass guitar. Although specialists suggested he might avoid surgery, they could not guarantee he would regain sufficient strength to complete full-length stage shows.
Hill also pointed to personal considerations behind his exit:
“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.”
Davey Rimmer Steps In
Anticipating potential complications from his health issues, Hill and the band had asked Davey Rimmer to learn the setlist as a precautionary measure. Rimmer successfully stepped in for the London show at the Eventim Apollo on September 21, 2026, following Hill’s injury in Brussels.
Hill endorsed his successor without reservation:
“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!”
Rimmer has served as the bassist for Uriah Heep since 2013 and shares a direct connection with the Judas Priest camp through Elegant Weapons, the side project formed by guitarist Richie Faulkner.
Despite stepping away from touring, Hill confirmed that he completed recording his bass tracks for Judas Priest’s upcoming material before making his retirement official.
Judas Priest’s Touring Lineup Moving Forward
With Hill’s retirement and founding guitarist Glenn Tipton remaining off the road following his 2018 Parkinson’s diagnosis, the active live lineup of Judas Priest features vocalist Rob Halford (joined 1973), guitarist Richie Faulkner, touring guitarist Andy Sneap, drummer Scott Travis, and new bassist Davey Rimmer. None of the musicians currently performing on stage were part of the band prior to 1973.
Judas Priest acknowledged Hill’s historic contributions in their official statement:
“It is with heavy hearts that we are sending out this personal message from our Ian… he has been the backbone of Judas Priest for so long and will be greatly missed by us all… we wish him well in his retirement and welcome Davey into the Priest Family.”
Hill concluded his farewell message with gratitude to the band’s global fanbase:
“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.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ian Hill’s Retirement
Why did Ian Hill leave Judas Priest?
Ian Hill retired due to advanced arthritis in his left shoulder, right hand, and knees, compounded by a snapped tendon in his left shoulder sustained during a concert in Brussels in September 2026. He also cited a desire to spend time with his family after 57 years on the road.
Who is replacing Ian Hill?
Davey Rimmer, bassist for Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, is taking over bass duties for Judas Priest’s live performances.
Did Ian Hill play on the new Judas Priest album?
Yes. Hill confirmed that he recorded his bass lines for the band’s upcoming material before deciding to step down from touring.
Was Ian Hill the last original member of Judas Priest?
Yes. Following K.K. Downing’s departure in 2011, Hill was the sole remaining original member from the group’s 1970 formation still active on stage, though Glenn Tipton remains an official member who no longer tours.
How long was Ian Hill in Judas Priest?
Ian Hill spent 56 years in Judas Priest, performing on all 19 of the band’s studio albums from 1974’s Rocka Rolla to 2024’s Invincible Shield.
