Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has shared his thoughts on whether the band could continue with an entirely new lineup, in an interview featured on Metal Journal.
Hill was asked directly whether he believes Judas Priest could one day carry on with new members, even if he and vocalist Rob Halford decided to retire. The question prompted a candid and open-minded response from the longtime bassist.
“Do you think Judas Priest can one day carry on with new members, even if you and Rob Halford decide to hang it up?” Hill was asked.
“There’s no reason why not. I mean, we’ve already got through about six or seven drummers, four guitarists and two vocalists. So, why not?” Hill said.
Hill went on to elaborate further on the idea of the band’s future without its current core members.
“I’m sure everybody will be up for it if Rob or myself have to pack it in for one reason or another,” he continued. “Yeah, nobody’s irreplaceable, so you never know.”
Hill’s remarks reflect a band that has long been no stranger to change — and one that has managed to endure through it all. The history of Judas Priest is, in many ways, a story of reinvention as much as it is one of consistency.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Judas Priest has undergone fifteen lineup changes throughout their career, making Hill’s comments all the more grounded in reality. The band has cycled through numerous drummers, guitarists, and even vocalists while maintaining its identity as one of heavy metal’s most enduring acts.
Among the most notable shifts, guitarist K.K. Downing departed in 2011 and was replaced by Richie Faulkner. Rob Halford himself left the band in the 1990s before returning in 2003. Last.fm noted that Tim “Ripper” Owens served as vocalist in Halford’s absence and recorded two albums with the band before Halford’s return.
Another significant development came when founding guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, leading him to step back from touring duties in 2018. Andy Sneap has since filled in for Tipton on live shows, as Wikipedia documented, further demonstrating the band’s ability to adapt without losing its core sound.
As of now, the band’s official lineup remains Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Richie Faulkner, and Scott Travis, per JudasPriest.com. Hill’s openness to a future generation of Judas Priest suggests the band’s legacy is something its members are actively thinking about. They appear willing to see it carry on long after they step away.
