Uriah Heep has issued a statement to address their bassist Davey Rimmer’s future with the band following his appointment as Judas Priest’s new bassist, in comments shared via Instagram.
Rimmer was announced as Judas Priest’s replacement for Ian Hill, who recently retired from the legendary metal band due to health reasons. Uriah Heep’s statement clarified how Rimmer will balance his commitments to both bands going forward.
The band said in their statement: “Following today’s announcement that Davey Rimmer will be joining Judas Priest from the start of their 2027 touring, we would all like to wish Davey our very best in this very coveted position in one of the giants of heavy metal and hard rock.”
The band added details about Rimmer’s continued involvement with Uriah Heep. “Davey will continue to play with Uriah Heep in 2026 and on all shows in 2027 where schedules permit. For the shows that don’t, we will be announcing a replacement in due course.”
The statement came after Judas Priest announced Rimmer as their new bassist for the 2027 touring season. Uriah Heep will work around Rimmer’s schedule with the legendary metal band and bring in a replacement bassist for dates where the two touring calendars conflict.
Ian Hill retired from Judas Priest after 56 years with the band, stepping down due to arthritis affecting his left shoulder, right hand, both knees and right shoulder. Hill had to skip a show after snapping a tendon in his left shoulder before the encores at a Brussels gig on September 18, marking the first time he had ever missed a Judas Priest performance. Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 and performed on all 19 of their studio albums up to 2024’s Invincible Shield.
Hill endorsed Rimmer as his successor, calling him “the obvious choice for my replacement” and describing him as “a great bassist, and a genuinely nice bloke who’ll fit the job perfectly.” Rimmer took Hill’s place at the band’s London show recently after Hill’s injury. Rimmer joined Uriah Heep in 2013 as the band’s seventh bassist, initially standing in for Trevor Bolder while he was being treated for pancreatic cancer before becoming a permanent member.
Rimmer was born in Liverpool and began playing bass at the age of 11, drawing influence from Queen, Uriah Heep, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. His earlier work included performances with Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction and Metalworks, a rock covers band based in Camden Town that featured Richie Faulkner from Judas Priest. Rimmer and Faulkner have worked together for over 20 years, playing venues across London and England together for many years.
Rimmer is also part of the metal supergroup Elegant Weapons, which includes Faulkner on guitar, Ronnie Romero of Rainbow on vocals, and Christopher Williams from Accept on drums. Rimmer joined Elegant Weapons in 2023, and the group released their second album Evolution recently. His appointment to Judas Priest represents a major milestone in his career while his ongoing work with Uriah Heep continues through 2026 and into 2027 on dates that do not conflict with his new role.
