Judas Priest performed their first show since bassist Ian Hill announced his retirement. Uriah Heep’s Davey Rimmer took over on bass. Fan reactions were mixed.
The show came one day after Hill said he was leaving the band. He explained his reasons for stepping down. He also endorsed Rimmer as his successor.
“I hate to say it, but that time has come,” Hill said. “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.”
Hill also addressed who should take his place in the band.
“The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey,” he said. “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! There’s not a day goes by where I don’t give thanks for the incredible journey I’ve lived through, and it just remains for me to say that I love you all, and thank you for the life you’ve let me live.”
Fans who attended shared a range of views on Rimmer’s performance. One wrote, “I was at the show. Best gig I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to a few. Even better than Maiden last year at the London Stadium – it was that good.” Another commented, “Lovely! Davey looks well rehearsed for this.” A third offered a different take: “Noooo. He does not fit in at all. His sound and stage presence suck! Not a good Judas Priest fit, sorry. I love Priest but a big no.”
Rimmer’s appearance with the band was not entirely new. The background to the lineup change helps explain how it came together.
Rimmer first played with Judas Priest at London’s Eventim Apollo on September 21. Hill had injured a tendon in his left shoulder during the band’s September 18 concert in Brussels. Rimmer stepped in at short notice. The Brussels show was Hill’s last with the band.
Hill announced his retirement on October 9, effective immediately. He had spent more than five decades with the group and cited his ongoing battle with arthritis. The band had asked Rimmer to learn the set list in case Hill had to pull out. That is why he was ready for the London date.
Rimmer has played bass with Uriah Heep since 2013. He also performs in Elegant Weapons, the band led by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. He already had a working relationship with a member of the Priest camp.
Uriah Heep have said Rimmer will keep playing with them through 2026 and on 2027 dates where schedules allow. Replacements will cover any shows that clash with Judas Priest commitments.
Hill praised Rimmer’s work in London, calling it “an incredible performance at such short notice.”
Further updates may follow as the band continues its touring schedule with the new lineup.
You can watch Judas Priest’s live show shared by a fan on YouTube below.
