Judas Priest bassist and founding member Ian Hill has announced his retirement from the band after 57 years, citing worsening arthritis and a recent shoulder injury that have affected his ability to perform.
Hill shared the news in a personal statement posted to Judas Priest’s social media accounts, explaining that he has been dealing with arthritis in both shoulders, his right hand and both knees.
“For a long time now, when asked ‘how long can you continue’ — I’ve always answered ‘until my performances suffer,'” Hill wrote. “I hate to say it, but that time has come.”
Hill said he had been managing the condition with pain medication, gels and cortisone injections. During the band’s recent European tour, he suffered a torn tendon in his left shoulder shortly before the encores at a show in Brussels, leaving him unable to lift his arm enough to play bass.
As a result, Davey Rimmer, known for his work with Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons, stepped in for Hill at the band’s subsequent London performance.
Hill explained that although he has consulted specialists, there is no guarantee he will regain enough strength to complete a full concert, regardless of whether surgery is necessary.
“In view of all this, and the fact that I’ve neglected my family life for fifty seven years, I’ve decided to retire and spend the remaining years making up for it, and doing things with them,” he said.
Hill also confirmed that Rimmer will take over bass duties for Judas Priest.
“The obvious choice for my replacement is Davey. 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!”
Judas Priest acknowledged Hill’s departure in their own statement, writing: “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.”
Hill, who has been part of Judas Priest since the band’s earliest years, also confirmed that he contributed bass parts to the group’s upcoming album.
He closed his message by thanking fans for their support throughout his career.
“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.”
Concert photo by Johnny Perilla
