Ian Hill Retires From Judas Priest, Davey Rimmer to Replace Him

Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill announced his immediate retirement on October 9, ending a run with the band that began in 1970. The group said Davey Rimmer would replace him. Hill, who has played on every Judas Priest album to date, said arthritis and a snapped tendon in his left shoulder contributed to his decision. In a statement released by the band, he described arthritis affecting his shoulders, right hand and knees, and said the tendon injury left him unable to lift his arm far enough to reach his bass during a performance. Hill said he had long planned to continue playing until his performances suffered. After consulting specialists, he said, he was told surgery might be avoidable, but there was no guarantee his shoulder and arm would regain enough strength for a full stage show. The medical details and explanation were given by Hill; no independent medical assessment was provided in the reports. The tendon injury occurred shortly before the encores at Judas Priest’s September 18 concert in Brussels, according to Hill. He missed the band’s September 21 London show, where Rimmer filled in.