Judas Priest founding bassist Ian Hill has retired after battling severe arthritis and a tendon injury. Hill, the band’s last original member, announced his decision following a snapped tendon during the European tour.
Hill revealed his ongoing struggle with advanced arthritis affecting his shoulders, hands, and knees, which eventually impacted his performance. After snapping a tendon in Brussels, Hill had to pull out of the London show, with Dave Rimmer of Uriah Heep stepping in at short notice.
“I’ve always said I’d continue as long as my performances didn’t suffer, but that time has come,” Hill said. He now plans to focus on his family after 57 years dedicated to Judas Priest.
Judas Priest welcomed Rimmer as Hill’s permanent replacement. Rimmer is also a bandmate of Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner in Elegant Weapons. Hill praised Rimmer as “a great bassist and a genuinely nice bloke who’ll fit the job perfectly.”
Hill’s retirement marks the end of an era for Judas Priest, the legendary metal band formed in 1969. Although Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton joined later, Hill maintained a constant presence through decades of the band’s evolution.
