A Heavy Metal Era Comes To An End
After more than five decades of thunderous bass lines, legendary albums and countless stages around the world, Judas Priest founding bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from the band.
In a deeply personal statement shared by Judas Priest, Hill revealed that ongoing health struggles, including severe arthritis and injuries affecting his shoulders, knees and arm, have made it increasingly difficult for him to perform at the level he expects of himself.
“I hate to say it, but that time has come.”
Hill explained that he has been dealing with the effects of arthritis for several years and recently suffered further injuries. After consulting specialists, he ultimately made the difficult decision to step away from performing with Judas Priest.
“I’ve seen specialists, who suggest I might get away without surgery, but even if I don’t there’s no guarantee either way that I’ll have enough strength in my shoulder/arm to complete a whole stage show,” Hill wrote.
The decision marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in heavy metal history.
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and became the only remaining member of the classic lineup to have remained with the band throughout its entire journey. He played on every Judas Priest studio album and performed at nearly 3,000 concerts.
His final chapter with Priest also saw Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep step in on bass for the band’s September 21, 2026 show in London after Hill suffered a badly damaged tendon in his left arm. It was the first Judas Priest concert Hill had missed since joining the band.
Hill has now confirmed that Davey will be his replacement moving forward.
“The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey. He’s a great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke who’ll fit the job perfectly, and I wish him the very best of luck!”
After more than 50 years of helping define the sound and identity of Judas Priest, Ian Hill leaves behind a legacy that is virtually impossible to measure.
From Sad Wings of Destiny and British Steel to Screaming for Vengeance, Painkiller and beyond, his bass helped provide the foundation for some of heavy metal’s most iconic music.
Hill closed his message with a heartfelt thank-you to the fans:
“There’s not a day goes by where I don’t give thanks for the incredible journey I’ve lived through.”
Thank you, Ian Hill, for more than five decades of heavy metal history.
Former bandmate Al Atkins posted this “Happy retirement, mate! Put your feet up, relax, and take a long holiday you deserve it.”
