Judas Priest’s Ian Hill Retires: The Man Who Never Missed a Show Finally Takes His Bow
After 56 years and 19 studio albums, Judas Priest’s founding-era bassist steps away from the Metal Gods, with Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons bassist Davey Rimmer taking his place.
The 74-year-old musician confirmed the news on October 9, explaining in an emotional statement that worsening arthritis and a recent shoulder injury have made the physical demands of performing increasingly difficult.
"For a long time now, when asked 'how long can you continue,' I've always answered 'until my performances suffer'... I hate to say it, but that time has come."
Hill also acknowledged the personal sacrifices of spending virtually his entire adult life on the road and expressed his desire to spend more time with his family.
56 Years, Every Album, Every Show
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970 alongside K.K. Downing, helping establish the Birmingham band that would eventually become one of heavy metal's most influential names.
From Rocka Rolla (1974) to Invincible Shield (2024), he appeared on all 19 Judas Priest studio albums, remaining the only musician to have played on every one.
Even more remarkably, Hill had never missed a Judas Priest concert throughout his entire career with the band.That extraordinary record ended at London's Eventim Apollo on September 21, after a shoulder injury sustained during the band's previous performance in Brussels forced him offstage.
Nobody knew it at the time, but Brussels would become his final Judas Priest concert.
The Quiet Backbone of Heavy Metal
Ian Hill was never interested in stealing the spotlight. While Rob Halford commanded the stage and the twin guitars delivered their unmistakable attack, Hill stood towards the back, bass slung low, providing the relentless foundation beneath it all.
His songwriting credits include early Priest compositions such as "Winter", "Dreamer Deceiver" and "Invader", although his greatest contribution was arguably the consistency of his playing.
And then there is "The Rage", from British Steel (1980).
Its unmistakable, reggae-influenced bass introduction remains one of the most distinctive moments in the band's catalogue. A rare occasion when the quiet man at the back stepped forward and reminded everyone just how much character he could bring to the music.
No unnecessary theatrics. No desperate attempts to steal the spotlight. Just Ian Hill doing what Ian Hill did best.
Davey Rimmer Steps In
Judas Priest have confirmed that Davey Rimmer, bassist for Uriah Heep and Richie Faulkner's Elegant Weapons, will permanently replace Hill.
Rimmer already proved himself when he stepped in at short notice for the band's London performance on September 21. Having played alongside Faulkner in Elegant Weapons, he is no stranger to the Priest camp.
He has also been a member of Uriah Heep since 2013 and is expected to continue performing with them when schedules permit.
Replacing Hill's playing may be possible. Replacing his history is another matter entirely.
The End of an Era
Judas Priest will continue, but something fundamental has changed.
Hill was there when British Steel helped define heavy metal, when Screaming for Vengeance conquered America, when Painkiller raised the bar and when the band returned stronger than ever with Firepower and Invincible Shield.
He witnessed every transformation, every triumph and every difficult chapter. For 56 years, he was the one constant in a band that helped shape an entire genre.
For 56 years, Ian Hill was always there. Heavy metal will never quite be the same without him standing at the back of that stage.
Thank you for everything, Ian. You've more than earned your retirement.
The Riff Collective
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