Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill retires after more than 55 years, citing arthritis
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Ian Hill, the only member on all 19 Judas Priest albums, retired on 9 October 2026 citing advanced arthritis; Uriah Heep's Davey Rimmer takes over on bass.
What Happened
Ian Hill, the bassist of British heavy metal band Judas Priest and its longest-serving member, announced his retirement on Friday, 9 October 2026, with immediate effect. In a statement, Hill said arthritis in his shoulders, hands and knees had made it too hard to carry on, and that he wanted to spend more time with his family. He named Davey Rimmer, bassist of Uriah Heep, as the natural choice to take his place, and the band confirmed Rimmer as his replacement.
Key Facts
- Hill announced his retirement on 9 October 2026, effective immediately.
- He said the arthritis is now advanced in his left shoulder and right hand, established in his right shoulder and present in both knees.
- He is the only musician to have played on all 19 Judas Priest studio albums, the latest being Invincible Shield in 2024.
- Reports put his time with the band at 56 to 57 years, depending on how it is counted.
- Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep, who also plays in guitarist Richie Faulkner's side project Elegant Weapons, takes over on bass.
- Rimmer had already stood in for Hill last month, when a badly damaged tendon in his left arm forced Hill to miss a Judas Priest show for the first time.
- The band has no shows left on its 2026 calendar.
Why It Matters
Judas Priest is one of the best-known names in heavy metal, and Hill was the one constant through more than half a century of its history. Every studio album the band has made, from its earliest records to Invincible Shield in 2024, has his bass on it. His exit leaves the band without its longest-serving member, a turning point for a group whose identity rests heavily on its long history.
The way Hill framed his decision is also notable. "I hate to say it, but that time has come," he said. He spoke openly about pain and age rather than leaving with a vague reference to "personal reasons", and said he had neglected his family life for decades. Many rock musicians of his generation, now in their seventies, are facing the same question of how long their bodies will let them tour. Hill's statement is a frank account of that reality.
The choice of successor points to continuity. Rimmer is already known to the band and its fans: he has played alongside Faulkner in Elegant Weapons and covered for Hill on stage only weeks ago. "The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey," Hill said. The band described Hill as its backbone and said he would be missed.
| Detail | Ian Hill |
|---|---|
| Role | Bassist, longest-serving member |
| Albums | All 19 Judas Priest studio albums |
| Last studio album | Invincible Shield (2024) |
| Reason for leaving | Advanced arthritis, family |
| Replacement | Davey Rimmer (Uriah Heep, Elegant Weapons) |
Impact
Short-term: With no shows left in 2026, the change has no immediate effect on concerts. Rimmer steps in as the band's bassist for whatever comes next.
Long-term: Judas Priest continues, but without the player who appeared on every one of its records. How Rimmer settles in will shape the band's live sound in the years ahead.
Who is affected: Judas Priest fans worldwide, the band and its touring crew, and Rimmer, who now joins one of metal's best-known acts.
Key Takeaway
Ian Hill, the only musician on every Judas Priest album, has retired because of advanced arthritis, handing the bass to Uriah Heep's Davey Rimmer.
Questions and Answers
Why did Ian Hill leave Judas Priest?
He said advanced arthritis in his shoulders, hands and knees made playing too difficult, and that he wanted to spend his remaining years with his family.
Who will replace Ian Hill?
Davey Rimmer, bassist of Uriah Heep and a member of Richie Faulkner's side project Elegant Weapons. He had already filled in for Hill at a show last month.
How long was Ian Hill in Judas Priest?
Reports put it at 56 to 57 years. He is the only person to have played on all 19 of the band's studio albums.
Is Judas Priest breaking up?
No. The band is continuing with Rimmer on bass, though it has no more concerts scheduled for 2026.
Sourced and fact-checked by the Peepals Global Editorial Team
Reported, fact-checked and published by the Peepals Global Editorial Team.
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