Judas Priest’s Ian Hill Retires After 57 Years, Longest-Serving Member

Judas Priest confirmed on October 9, 2026 that founding bassist Ian Hill is retiring from the band after 57 years, pointing to worsening arthritis and a torn shoulder tendon as the reasons he can no longer guarantee he can get through a full concert. Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons bassist Davey Rimmer has been named as his replacement and is expected to step into the role when Judas Priest’s touring resumes in 2027.

• Ian Hill, listed as 74 or 75 depending on the outlet, joined Judas Priest in 1970, several years before singer Rob Halford and guitarist Glenn Tipton came aboard.
• He is the only Judas Priest member to appear on all 19 of the band’s studio albums, running from 1974’s “Rocka Rolla” to 2024’s “Invincible Shield,” and he has already laid down bass tracks for the band’s next, still-untitled record.
• Hill tore a tendon in his left shoulder during a show in Brussels, Belgium on September 18, 2026, forcing him to sit out the band’s September 21 concert at Eventim Apollo in London, the first show he had ever missed since joining in 1970.
• Davey Rimmer has played bass for Uriah Heep since 2013 and also performs alongside Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner in Elegant Weapons.

Why Is Ian Hill Leaving Judas Priest?

In a statement shared through the band, Hill explained that he has long measured his future in the group by a single rule: stepping aside once his playing started to decline. He said that point has now arrived because of what he called “the evil arthritis,” which he described as advanced in his left shoulder and right hand, present in his right shoulder as well, and affecting both of his knees. He said he had been managing the condition with painkillers, topical gels and cortisone injections.

Even so, Hill said he was able to record his bass parts for Judas Priest’s upcoming album before health concerns made it uncertain whether he could finish touring behind it. Specialists have told him he may be able to avoid surgery on his shoulder, but he said there is no guarantee that his arm and shoulder would hold up through an entire live set either way.

Hill also pointed to the personal cost of more than five decades on the road, saying he had put his family life aside for fifty-seven years and wants to use his remaining years making up for that time with them.

What Happened in Brussels and London?

Hill said the injury that forced his hand came during a concert in Brussels on September 18, 2026, when he snapped a tendon in his left shoulder just before the encore. The damage left him unable to raise his arm high enough to play his bass, and he had to miss the band’s show three days later at Eventim Apollo in London on September 21, 2026.

Davey Rimmer, who had already learned the band’s set list as a precaution, filled in on bass for that London show. Hill praised Rimmer’s performance on short notice, calling him an excellent player who will suit the role well.

Who Is Taking Over as Judas Priest’s Bassist?

Davey Rimmer has been confirmed as Hill’s successor and is set to make his debut as Judas Priest’s full-time bassist when the band’s 2027 touring begins. Uriah Heep addressed the change on social media, stating that Rimmer will continue performing with that band through the rest of 2026 and into 2027 wherever scheduling allows, and that a replacement for Uriah Heep will be named for any dates where it does not.

Judas Priest’s current touring lineup is made up of Rimmer, Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, drummer Scott Travis and guitarist Andy Sneap. Glenn Tipton remains a member of the band on paper but has stopped touring as he continues dealing with Parkinson’s disease.

When Does Judas Priest Play Next?

Judas Priest has no more shows scheduled for the remainder of 2026. The band’s next announced concerts are festival dates in June 2027 in Norway and Denmark, including the Tons of Rock festival running June 23 to 26 alongside acts such as Motley Crue, Gwar and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rimmer is expected to make his first appearance as the band’s bassist at those 2027 festival shows.

More Info

• Judas Priest Bassist Ian Hill Announces His Retirement | Ultimate Classic Rock
• Ian Hill Retires From Judas Priest, Replacement Named | Loudwire
• Ian Hill Announces His Retirement From Judas Priest, Names Successor: ‘I Love You All, And Thank You For The Life You’ve Let Me Live’ | Ultimate Guitar News
• Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill retires after nearly 60 years, names replacement | Guitar World
• Judas Priest Bassist Ian Hill Announces Retirement From Band Citing Battle With Evil Arthritis | Billboard
• Judas Priest Announce Retirement of Bassist Ian Hill, Reveal Replacement | Consequence
• Judas Priest Bassist Ian Hill Retires After 57 Years Due to Arthritis | Metal Injection
• Ian Hill announces retirement from Judas Priest: “Thank you for the life you’ve let me live” | Kerrang!