Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has shared a message honoring Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill following his decision to step down from the band. Sweet posted his remarks on Instagram.
Hill has announced his retirement from Judas Priest due to health issues. The bassist’s role will be taken over by Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer. Sweet took to social media to recognize Hill’s career and his influence on the metal community.
“All great things must come to an end. Ian Hill. One of the most solid bass players to ever pick up a bass,” Sweet said. “Always in the pocket, always laying down the groove, right with the drums, absolutely solid.”
Sweet continued with praise for Hill’s character. “And although I don’t know Ian personally, I feel like I do. He’s always come across like a good, decent, stand up guy. Solid.”
The Stryper vocalist then reflected on Judas Priest’s impact on his own career. “Judas Priest has inspired me more than you may or may not know. A lot. Rob helped me find myself as a singer (I’m sure he doesn’t even know this), and the band has always made me want to reach hire. Do better. Be the best.”
Sweet concluded his message with gratitude toward Hill. “Thank you Ian for being the legend that you are and for inspiring this kid (back in the 70’s) to hit em’ hard and heavy. All the best to you and as you retire and navigate through the rest of your life, know that you’ve inspired so many. God bless you Ian.”
Sweet’s comments came as Hill made his exit from the iconic metal band after decades of service.
Hill’s retirement marked the end of an extraordinary tenure with Judas Priest that spanned 56 years. The bassist joined the band three years before Rob Halford and four years before Glenn Tipton, making him the longest-serving member and the only person to perform on all 19 studio albums from 1974’s Rocka Rolla through 2024’s Invincible Shield. Over that period, Hill anchored the band’s sound while performing on nearly 3,000 concerts.
Hill revealed that arthritis in advanced stages affected his left shoulder and right hand, with established problems in his right shoulder and both knees. He managed the pain for years with medication, gels, and cortisone injections before his health made touring impossible. A damaged tendon in his left arm forced him to miss a show in London, marking the first time he had ever missed a Judas Priest performance.
Davey Rimmer, who has been the bassist for Uriah Heep since 2013, takes over from Hill. Rimmer also performs in Elegant Weapons, a side project of Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. He will join Judas Priest from the start of their 2027 touring schedule while continuing with Uriah Heep in 2026 and on all 2027 shows where scheduling permits. For performances where the two bands conflict, a replacement bassist will be announced for Uriah Heep.
Judas Priest’s next show is set for June 2027 in Oslo, Norway, with no remaining dates on the tour calendar for 2026. In 2022, Hill was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his Priest bandmates, cementing his place among metal’s most influential musicians. Michael Sweet’s tribute underscored the profound impact Hill and Judas Priest have had on metal musicians and fans across generations.
