Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill is retiring after worsening arthritis and a shoulder injury left him uncertain whether he could complete another full concert. The band announced his decision on October 9, 2026, and named Uriah Heep and Elegant Weapons bassist Davey Rimmer as his replacement.
In his personal statement, Hill explained that he had spent years answering questions about retirement with the same condition: he would continue until his performances suffered. “I hate to say it, but that time has come,” he wrote. He described advanced arthritis in his left shoulder and right hand, with the condition also affecting his right shoulder and both knees. Pain medication, gels and cortisone injections had helped him manage it, but completing the European tour was already a concern.
That uncertainty meant Rimmer had begun preparing before Hill needed to miss a show. The band asked him to learn the set so he could take over if necessary. During the Brussels concert, just before the encores, Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder. He said the injury left him unable to raise his arm far enough to reach the neck of his bass.
Rimmer subsequently played the September 21 show at London’s Eventim Apollo. Judas Priest announced Hill’s absence that day, explaining that he had damaged a tendon in his left arm. Hill’s retirement statement provided the fuller account of what happened and praised Rimmer’s performance after being called in at short notice.
Consultations with specialists have not resolved the question of whether Hill could return to full shows. He said surgery might be avoidable, but neither course offered a guarantee that his shoulder and arm would regain the strength needed. Alongside those concerns, he wants to spend more time with his family after decades of commitments to music.
His successor already has connections within the band. Rimmer joined Uriah Heep in 2013 and also plays alongside Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner in Elegant Weapons. Hill endorsed both his playing and his suitability for the role, while Judas Priest thanked Hill for his contribution and welcomed Rimmer into the group.
Hill closed his message by thanking fans for the life his career had made possible. His retirement also comes after another recording contribution: despite the physical problems affecting his concert performances, he said he had already recorded bass parts for Judas Priest’s next album.
