Judas Priest Bassist Ian Hill Announces Retirement From Band Citing Battle With ‘Evil Arthritis’
The group's longest-serving member will be replaced by the bass player from fellow British hard rockers Uriah Heep.
Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill announced his retirement from the heavy metal band on October 9, 2023. Hill, 75, cited a battle with "evil arthritis" as the reason for his decision. The band expressed their sadness at losing their longest-serving member, who had been with Judas Priest since 1970. Hill described his struggle with arthritis in a personal message, stating that his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder, and both knees were affected.
He had been managing the pain with medication and injections but was unable to perform on Priest's upcoming album and recent European tour. Uriah Heep's bassist, Davey Rimmer, stepped in to learn the set list for the Faithkeepers tour and stood in for Hill during the band's show at London's Eventim Apollo after Hill snapped a tendon in his left shoulder.
Hill had to miss that show and was unable to complete his performance, leading to Rimmer's temporary replacement. Hill expressed his gratitude for the life he's lived and his love for his fans, acknowledging the toll his career has taken on his personal life over the past 57 years.
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