Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from live performance after revealing the extent of the arthritis and injury problems that have affected his ability to play. Davey Rimmer, known for his work with Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, will take his place in the band.
In a personal statement issued on 9 October 2026, Hill explained that he had long believed he would continue performing until his playing began to suffer. He now feels that point has arrived. “Hello everyone, for a long time now, when asked ‘how long can you continue,’ I’ve always answered until my performances suffer. I hate to say it, but that time has come.”
Hill said he has been dealing with arthritis for several years, describing the condition as advanced in his left shoulder and right hand, established in his 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,” Hill said.
Although he was able to record bass lines for the band’s new album, there were concerns about whether he could complete the recent European tour. Rimmer learned the setlist as a precaution and stepped in for the London concert after Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder during the Brussels show, two days earlier.
Hill explained that the injury left him unable to lift his arm far enough to reach the neck of his bass. He praised Rimmer for delivering an incredible performance at short notice.
Specialists have told Hill that surgery may not be necessary, but he said there is no guarantee that his shoulder and arm will regain enough strength to complete a full stage show.
“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.
After 57 years devoted to music, Hill said he now wants to spend more time with his family.
Hill gave his full support to his successor, describing Davey Rimmer as a great bassist and a genuinely nice person who will fit the job perfectly.
“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”
In the announcement accompanying Hill’s statement, Judas Priest said he had been the band’s backbone for many years, wished him well in retirement and welcomed Rimmer into the Priest family.
