Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill has announced his retirement from the band after 56 years. The band confirmed the news via social media and a press release, with Hill attributing his departure to an ongoing battle with arthritis.
Hill stated that he has been struggling with advanced arthritis in his left shoulder, right hand, right shoulder, and both knees. He explained that he has been managing the condition with painkillers, gels, and cortisone injections, but his performance has begun to suffer.
Davey Rimmer from Uriah Heep, who previously stood in for Hill at a London show, will now complete the remaining tour dates. Hill, who joined Judas Priest in 1970, was the band's longest-serving member and performed on all 19 of their studio albums, including 2024's 'Invincible Shield'.