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Judas Priest Bassist Ian Hill Retires After 57 Years, Names Successor
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In brief
Ian Hill, Judas Priest's bassist since 1970, announced his retirement on October 9, 2026, citing advanced arthritis and a torn shoulder tendon that forced him to miss a London show in September. Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer, who filled in for Hill on short notice, has been named his permanent successor.
Ian Hill, the longest-serving member of Judas Priest, announced his retirement from the band on October 9, 2026. Hill, who has played bass for the English heavy-metal group since 1970, said advancing arthritis had made it too difficult to continue performing, according to a statement reported by Yahoo Entertainment, Loudwire and Louder Sound.
Why Hill Is Stepping Down
According to the Yahoo report, Hill said he had been managing arthritis in his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder and both knees with pain medication, topical treatments and cortisone injections, but that the approach had become unsustainable. He said he had always told people he would keep playing "until my performances suffer."
I hate to say it, but that time has come.
The Missed Show That Preceded the Decision
Yahoo Entertainment reported that Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder just before the encore of a September 18, 2026 show in Brussels, part of the band's European tour, two days before Judas Priest's show at London's Eventim Apollo, which he then had to miss. Outlets described it as the first Judas Priest show Hill had missed since joining the band in 1970.
Davey Rimmer, the bassist for Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, stepped in for that London date on short notice. In the statement reported by Loudwire, Hill said Rimmer "put in an incredible performance at such short notice."
Davey Rimmer Takes Over on Bass
Judas Priest has confirmed Rimmer as Hill's permanent replacement. According to Loudwire, Hill's own statement described Rimmer as "a great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke." A separate band statement, also reported by Loudwire, said Hill "has been the backbone of Judas Priest for so long" and would be "greatly missed by us all."
Five Decades With the Band
Hill has appeared on all 19 of Judas Priest's studio albums since joining in 1970, per Yahoo Entertainment's report. With Hill's departure, singer Rob Halford becomes the only original member still touring with the group; guitarist Glenn Tipton has already stepped back from touring as he has gotten older, though he continues to contribute to the band in the studio alongside guitarist Richie Faulkner, according to Yahoo Entertainment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Outgoing bassist | Ian Hill, with Judas Priest since 1970 |
| Retirement announced | October 9, 2026 |
| Stated reason | Advanced arthritis; torn shoulder tendon |
| Brussels injury date | September 18, 2026 (per Yahoo Entertainment) |
| Last missed show | September 2026, Eventim Apollo, London |
| Successor | Davey Rimmer (Uriah Heep, Elegant Weapons) |
| Studio albums with Hill | 19, all of the band's releases |
What's Next for Judas Priest
Loudwire reported the band has no remaining shows scheduled for 2026 and that its next listed date is in June 2027 in Oslo, Norway, though additional tour dates could still be announced.
Questions
- Why did Ian Hill retire from Judas Priest?
- Hill said advanced arthritis in both shoulders, his right hand and both knees, combined with a torn tendon in his left shoulder, made it too difficult to keep performing, according to his statement reported by Yahoo Entertainment.
- Who is replacing Ian Hill on bass?
- Davey Rimmer, bassist for Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, has been named Hill's permanent replacement after filling in for him during a London show in September 2026, per Loudwire and Louder Sound.
- How long was Ian Hill in Judas Priest?
- Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and played bass on all 19 of the band's studio albums, according to Yahoo Entertainment's report; outlets have described his tenure as 57 years.
- Did Ian Hill miss any shows before retiring?
- Yes. He missed a September 2026 concert at London's Eventim Apollo after injuring a shoulder tendon during a show in Brussels on September 18, 2026, reportedly the first Judas Priest date he had ever missed since 1970.
- Are other original members still touring with Judas Priest?
- Singer Rob Halford is now the only original member still touring with the band; guitarist Glenn Tipton stepped back from touring as he got older but still contributes in the studio, according to Yahoo Entertainment.
Sources
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