The one musician on every Judas Priest album is retiring, and the band already has his replacement
Ian Hill is retiring from Judas Priest after playing on all 19 studio albums. Davey Rimmer has been named as his replacement.
Judas Priest is losing the only musician who appeared on every one of the band's studio albums. Bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement, and the group has already lined up Davey Rimmer as the player set to take over.
Why Ian Hill is stepping away
Hill joined Judas Priest in 1970, before Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton arrived, and became the sole performer to appear on all 19 of the band's studio releases, from 1974's Rocka Rolla to 2024's Invincible Shield.
In his retirement message, Hill said he had long felt he would continue until his performances were affected, and said that point had now arrived. He explained that he has been dealing with arthritis for years, with the condition in an advanced state in his left shoulder and right hand, established in his right shoulder, and present in both knees. He said he had been trying to manage it with painkillers, gels and cortisone injections.
Hill also described the incident that pushed the issue into focus. He said he snapped a tendon in his left shoulder during the Brussels show, just before the encores, which left him unable to raise his arm enough to reach the neck of his bass. That led to him missing the London date, the first Judas Priest concert he had ever sat out.
He said specialists had told him he might avoid surgery, but there was still no guarantee he would recover enough strength to get through a full stage performance. Hill added that he had decided to retire and spend time with his family after saying he had neglected that side of life for 57 years.
Who takes over, and when fans will see the change
Judas Priest has named Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer as Hill's replacement. Rimmer has been with Uriah Heep since 2013, and he also plays in Elegant Weapons, the side project led by Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner.
Hill said Rimmer was the obvious choice and praised both his playing and his fit with the band. Judas Priest, in its own message, said Hill would be greatly missed and welcomed Rimmer into the group's circle.
Rimmer is not leaving Uriah Heep outright. That band said he will continue to play with them in 2026 and on 2027 shows where schedules allow, with a stand in to be announced for dates he cannot make.
As for when the switch matters on the Priest side, there are no remaining 2026 shows on the band's tour calendar. Their next scheduled performance is in June 2027 in Oslo, Norway.
