Ian Hill Retires From Judas Priest; Davey Rimmer Named Replacement

Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has retired from the band effective immediately after 57 years, ending one of heavy metal’s longest continuous tenures. The band confirmed the change on October 9 and named Davey Rimmer — known for Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons — as Hill’s replacement.

Hill said advanced arthritis has affected his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder and both knees. During Judas Priest’s September 18 show in Brussels, he also snapped a tendon in his left shoulder shortly before the encore. The injury left him unable to raise his arm far enough to reach the neck of his bass and forced him to miss the band’s London concert two days later — the first Judas Priest show he had ever missed.

Rimmer learned the set as a contingency for the European run and stepped in for that London date on short notice. Hill called him the obvious choice to continue in the role, praising both his playing and his character. Judas Priest welcomed Rimmer into what the band described as the “Priest family.”

Hill’s retirement does not erase his presence from the band’s next chapter. He confirmed that he recorded bass parts for Judas Priest’s forthcoming 20th studio album before stepping away. No release date or additional album details have been announced.

Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and performed on all 19 of the band’s released studio albums, from Rocka Rolla in 1974 through 2024’s Invincible Shield. His steady, foundational playing underpinned landmark records including Sad Wings of Destiny, British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance and Painkiller. The band described him as its longtime backbone.

In explaining his decision, Hill said he could no longer be confident that his body would allow him to complete a full concert at the standard he expects. He also said he wants to devote more time to the family life he sacrificed during decades on the road.

Official source: https://judaspriest.com/news/fullstory.asp?id=ED89090B-D7DE-4871-AF05-DCD124A3F948

Image credit: Official JudasPriest.com.