Entertainment · Music · 2 days ago
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill retires after 56 years with the band
Ian Hill is retiring from Judas Priest after 56 years with the band.
The bassist said advanced arthritis affects his shoulders, hand and knees, and an injured shoulder made it difficult to play during the group’s recent European tour.
He joined Judas Priest in 1970 and played on all 19 of the band’s studio albums through 2024’s “Invincible Shield.”
Hill said he decided to retire to spend more time with his family after years of touring and recording.
Fellow musicians have paid tribute to his career and influence on heavy music.
Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer, who filled in for Hill at a London show, will join Judas Priest for its 2027 touring.
Hill said specialists have discussed whether he might avoid surgery, but there is no guarantee his shoulder and arm will regain the strength needed for a full stage show.
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has retired from the band after 56 years.
Hill said advanced arthritis affecting his shoulder, hand and knees made it difficult to continue performing.
He also said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer will take over the bass role for Judas Priest’s remaining tour dates.
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and played on all 19 of the band’s studio albums through 2024’s Invincible Shield.
- Who
- Ian Hill, Judas Priest’s bassist, is retiring. Davey Rimmer will take over the bass role for the remaining tour dates.
- What
- Hill announced his retirement after 56 years with the band.
- When
- The announcement was published on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Judas Priest announced it on social media and in a press release. Hill had recently missed the band’s London show.
- Why
- Hill said advanced arthritis was making it difficult to perform, and he wanted to spend more time with his family.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I hate to say it, but that time has come.
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.
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
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 X.
Ian Hill joined Judas Priest.
Hill performed on the band’s studio album Invincible Shield.
Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder during the Brussels show and could not lift his arm enough to reach his bass.
Davey Rimmer filled in for Hill at Judas Priest’s London show.
Judas Priest and Hill announced his retirement.
- Time with band
- 56 years
- Joined Judas Priest
- 1970
- Health issues
- Arthritis in his shoulders, right hand and both knees
- Recent album
- Invincible Shield (2024)
- Replacement bassist
- Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep
- Next touring period
- Rimmer is due to join Judas Priest from the start of their 2027 touring
Sources
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