Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from the band effective immediately. He confirmed that he has taken the difficult decision to bring his career to a close due to an ongoing battle with arthritis. He also revealed that Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep will take over his role in Judas Priest.
Hill explained that his decision came after years of struggling with advancing arthritis and a recent injury that affected his ability to perform.
“I hate to say it, but that time has come. For some years now, I’ve been struggling with the onset of the evil arthritis, which is now in an advanced state in my left shoulder and right hand, established in my 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,” he said.
He went on to describe how the condition affected recent live performances and prompted the band to prepare a stand-in.
“Although, I was able to put bass lines to the songs for the new album, there were questions whether I’d be able to complete the recent European tour without incident, so we asked our good friend Davey Rimmer from Uriah Heep, and of course Elegant Weapons, to learn the set list to stand in for me if I had to pull out, which I did for the London show,” he said.
Hill detailed the injury that forced him to step back during the tour. He snapped a tendon in his left shoulder during the Brussels show. The band called Rimmer to stand in for him. Rimmer put in an incredible performance at short notice.
Judas Priest also shared a message in response to the announcement.
“It is with heavy hearts that we are sending out this personal message from our Ian….he has been the backbone of Judas Priest for so long and will be greatly missed by us all….we wish him well in his retirement and welcome Davey into the Priest Family….,” the band said.
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970. His absence from the band’s London show at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on September 21 was his first missed live performance in 56 years. The 74-year-old had been a constant presence on stage throughout that time.
The band announced his absence only a couple of hours before showtime. It confirmed that Rimmer would cover the bass duties so the concert could go ahead.
“Ian has a badly damaged tendon in his left arm so unfortunately he won’t be able to play at our Hammersmith Apollo Eventim show on Monday 21st September…our good friend Davey Rimmer (Uriah Heep) will be playing with us so the show will go on..”
Rimmer, who also plays with Elegant Weapons, handled the set with little preparation. He carried the show through. Early reviews of the London date praised the band’s performance. The lineup change did not disrupt the night.
Earlier this year, Hill had spoken about the long-term future of Judas Priest. He suggested the band could continue beyond its classic members. At the time, he said he was not thinking about stepping away any time soon. He added that he would consider retirement only if his performance began to slip.
Hill’s departure marks the end of a decades-long tenure with Judas Priest. Rimmer now steps into the bass role. Further updates may follow.
