Ian Hill Retires From Judas Priest as Davey Rimmer Takes Over

Judas Priest will begin a new chapter without longtime bassist Ian Hill, who announced his retirement on October 9, 2026, after nearly six decades with the British heavy metal band. Hill cited advanced arthritis, a serious tendon injury in his left shoulder and uncertainty about his ability to perform live as the reasons for stepping away. Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer will replace him.

Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and became its longest-serving member, appearing on all 19 of the band's studio albums, from 1974's Rocka Rolla to 2024's Invincible Shield. His departure ends an uninterrupted recording history spanning more than five decades and follows his first missed concert with the group during its recent European tour.

In its retirement announcement, Judas Priest paid tribute to Hill's contribution and welcomed Rimmer into the lineup.

"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," Judas Priest said in a social media statement.

Hill explained that his physical condition had deteriorated despite treatment with painkillers, topical gels and cortisone injections. Arthritis affects his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder and both knees, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the physical demands of performing onstage.

"I hate to say it, but that time has come," Hill wrote in his retirement announcement, referring to his longstanding commitment to continue playing until his performances began to suffer.

The bassist's difficulties became particularly apparent during the band's European tour. According to Hill, he ruptured a tendon in his left shoulder shortly before the encores at the Brussels concert, leaving him unable to raise his arm sufficiently to reach his bass guitar's neck. The injury forced him to miss Judas Priest's September 21 performance at London's Eventim Apollo, where Rimmer stepped in after learning the set list as a precaution.

Although specialists told Hill that surgery might be avoidable, they could not guarantee that treatment would restore enough strength for a complete live performance. The uncertainty, combined with his desire to spend more time with his family after 57 years devoted to music, influenced his decision.

"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," Hill wrote.

Hill also endorsed Rimmer, who plays with both Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, the latter featuring Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. Rimmer had already demonstrated his ability to perform the band's material when he covered for Hill in London.

"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 said.

Uriah Heep confirmed that Rimmer would continue performing with the band during 2026 and take part in its 2027 shows when scheduling permits. The group said it would announce temporary replacements for performances that conflict with his Judas Priest commitments.

Hill's retirement marks a significant personnel change for a band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. He joined the group's early lineup in 1970, before vocalist Rob Halford arrived in 1973 and guitarist Glenn Tipton joined in 1974. Hill remained with Judas Priest through numerous lineup changes and the release of landmark albums including British Steel, Painkiller and Invincible Shield.

The band's 19th studio album, Invincible Shield, arrived in 2024 and reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200, according to Blabbermouth. It also peaked at No. 2 on the UK album chart and reached No. 1 in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.

Judas Priest's next scheduled concert was set for June 2027 in Oslo, Norway, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. The band had no remaining performances on its 2026 tour calendar at the time of the announcement.